Aslam’s Arabian horse embodies the history of nations and the growth of burgeoning cultures. With its absolute magnificent mane and its embellished decorative jewels, this graceful steed tells us that Arabian horses have had an impact on nearly every other horse breed in existence today. To look at his Arabian horse is to see more than the beauty of its expressive eyes, dished face and refined features. It is to realize the magnitude of the contribution this one breed has made to the world of horse breeding.
This majestic Arabian creature presents the haunts of history, we think back to the times before the concrete oases of today when on the deserts of Arabia, the Bedouins and their horses depended on each other for survival and this interdependency created an abiding human-animal bond. It is said only the soundest, most trainable and hardiest individuals survived and bred on. The Bedouins recognized the importance of preserving the attributes that they relied on so much. Aslam gives us a creature of consummate grace and mystique, a symbol of perfection perhaps highly prized.
He creates a majestic bulging forehead, which was considered a blessing from God. The Bedouins believed that the larger an Arabian horse’s forehead, the more blessings he brought with him. The care taken to accurately depict the area where the head attaches to the neck—behind the ears along the top line of the neck and the throatlatch is commendable. This is a symbol of courage.
The delicate features combine for a petite, refined muzzle that can perhaps “fit into a teacup.” Aslam captures all these typical Arabian traits and turns our eyes towards a significant physical benefit. For instance, the short, dished head and flaring nostrils promote optimum oxygen intake. And Aslam also gives us a suggestion of the deep chest and wide ribcage that permit comfortable lung expansion.
Aslam creates a creature that recalls the Arabian name “Kohl-Ani” – a reference to its beautiful eyes and skin. The smooth skin is the colour of Kohl, a bluish-black substance that was used in Egypt in ancient times as eyeliner and eye shadow. More than anything it is an iconic reminder of the power and majesty of a Royal breed that will stand as a testimony for the ages.