The Godolphin Arabian, also known as the Godolphin Barb, was an Arabian horse who was one of three stallions that founded the modern Thoroughbred. He was named after his best-known owner, Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin.
The Godolphin Arabian, by George Stubbs, after David Morier
The stable block of Wandlebury House where the horse was buried
The Godolphin Arabian was buried within the stable block at Wandlebury in 1753 at the age of 29.
Lord Godolphin's Lath (by James Seymour)
The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse with historic roots on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest modern breeds. Although modern DNA cannot trace breed purity in the modern population beyond 200 years, there is archaeological evidence of horses in the Middle East with landrace characteristics that resemble modern Arabians dating back 3,500 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses have spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.
An Arabian mare
A purebred Arabian stallion, showing dished profile, arched neck, level croup and high-carried tail
Mounted skeleton of an Arabian horse, showing underlying structure of breed characteristics including concave profile, short back, high-set tail, distinction between level croup and well-angulated hip. This specimen also has only 5 lumbar vertebrae.
Arabians are noted for both intelligence and a spirited disposition
