22/01/2021
Did you know? The second Arabian horse registered in America was the stallion Obeyran. Foaled in 1889, he was sired by a desert bred stallion and out of a desert bred mare. Obeyran was part of a group of desert-bred Arabians imported to the United States in 1893 by the Hamidie Society for the Chicago World Fair held that year. Following the exposition, Tattersalls held an auction of the horses. According to information in two letters from J.R. Dolbony (apparently a performer with the Hamidie Society) to Homer Davenport, dated 9/14 and 9/22/1909, *Obeyran was bred by 'Abd al-Karim of the Bani Khalid tribe and foaled in 1889. His dam was said to be a Saqlawiyah Ubayriyah mare named "Senona" and his sire a Ma'naqi Hudruji named "El Tahy." These letters are part of the National Archives file of correspondence between the officers of the AHC and the government agency responsible for approving livestock registries. These letters were reprinted [Dirks & Dirks, 1989]. Obeyran went on to sire just seven offspring registered in America. He produced four daughters and three sons. The most prolific producer was his daughter Freda who produced eight offspring, four daughters and four sons, one of which was gelded. Little by little, these horses helped to establish the Arabian breed in America as we know it today.
Arabian horse history is rich and fascinating. Learn more by visiting the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky. Plan your trip today!
