[Illustration: ZARIFE]
From the hot desert sands of Arabia, the purebred Arab horse has brought
us all of his beauty, affection, strength and glory. For over 4,000
years the Arab steed served the desert Bedouins in peace and war,
ofttimes meaning the difference between life and death for his master.
He lived in the tent of his owner, as a member of the family. In his
noble heart this developed an affection unsurpassed.
Pasture land and water are very scarce in the desert country, but the
Arab horse does not require the food and water of an ordinary
horse—because of his small stomach. This was invaluable to the Bedouin,
who then could travel for days on a fiery charger without sighting
pasture or a water hole. Thus, the Arab has become known to us as
“Drinker of the Wind.”
Although from this courageous lineage have descended all light breeds of
horses known to the world today—the Thoroughbred, Standard Bred,
American Saddle Horse, Morgan, and so on down the line ... still we
cannot tell you the origin of the purebred Arab. That belongs to the dim
and distant past. God gave him to us and is preserving this precious
blood through the generous hearts of a handful of large breeders, mostly
located in the United States.
Why the United States? Because, with the advent of the automobile in
Arabia, the Bedouins learned they could travel faster and farther in
“war cars” than by Arabian horses; so they discontinued the use of
horses in warfare. This resulted in diminishing the breeding of pure
Arabians in the desert. Then, during World War II, many of the large
European Studs, which had been established from desert horses, were
completely demolished.
To give you a word picture of the purebred Arab, the United States
Department of Agriculture, in its bulletin, “Breeds of Light Horses,”
has this to say:
“A typical Arabian horse has a wedge-shaped head; small nose; dish
face; wide, deep jaws; eyes set low, wide apart, and near the middle
of the head; a relatively large brain capacity; one less lumbar
vertebra than most other horses, giving a short weight-carrying back;
one or two less vertebrae in the tail, which is set up on a high croup
and gaily carried; ribs spring wide and deep; large knee, hock, tendon
and hoof; dense bone; small stomach capacity, with small feed
requirements and the ability to assimilate rough feed; and a marked
prepotency in the Stud.
“Generally the Arabian horse in action shows only the walk, trot, and
canter. The usual height is from 14 to 15.1 hands, and the weight from
850 to 1,100 pounds. Bay, gray and chestnut are the predominating
colors, with an occasional white or black. White marks on the head and
legs are common, but purebred Arabians are never piebald or spotted,
notwithstanding an erroneous impression created by circus horses that
are commonly called Arabians.”
[Illustration: Arabian tents and horses]
[Illustration: BLYTHE SPIRIT]
The love for the purebred Arab horse is so great that there are hundreds
of Arab owners, but only a few large breeders. Among these few large
breeders is The Van Vleet Arabian Stud, owned and operated by The
Trinidad Bean & Elevator Company. Started by L.W. Van Vleet, President
of the company, it is located on The Lazy VV Ranch near Nederland,
Colorado. This ranch is now the mountain home of over 90 purebred
Arabians.
The Lazy VV Ranch lies at an altitude of 8,500 to 13,000 feet, in the
heart of the Colorado Rockies. This Arabian Stud was started with a
foundation herd of about 30 head. Today it is the largest stud in our
country, excepting the Remount Depot at Pomona, California, owned by the
government. Trinidad, alone, has probably done as much toward proving
the merits of the Arabian as anyone else in this country.
One of the main purposes of this venture was to prove that the Arabian
horse could adjust himself to any climate and adapt himself to any use,
without injurious effects. So, to the Continental Divide, from the hot
sands of Arabia, the Arab horse has ascended.
Living and working at that high altitude, the Arab is developing greater
wind and lung capacity, harder muscle, denser bone. Plenty of pure
mountain water and native hay are his sustenance. In return, he gives
much! Mares and colts receive no unusual care; are often exposed to
freezing temperatures and trying conditions which require remarkable
stamina.
Many Arab stallions can do twice the work of native stock horses ...
with no signs of fatigue, poor legs, or other bad conditions which will
develop in cold-blooded horses. The Arab is less susceptible to equine
diseases than other breeds, and requires nothing in the way of
pampering.
To know an Arab is to love him ... to love him is to want him. He is a
rare and priceless possession.
[Illustration: JUST A LITTLE FELLOW]
[Illustration: Arabian on horseback]
With ears alert for the slightest sound, ZARIFE—head stallion of
Trinidad’s Arabs—depicts everything to be desired in a purebred horse.
At his ripe age, he still participates in the long cattle drives of The
Lazy VV Ranch and holds a major position in the Stud’s extensive
breeding program.
Unlike his desert ancestors, he is never left at home base when there is
active work to be done. Bedouins’ stallions were used for breeding but
not in warfare. A stallion, being much noisier than a mare, would be apt
to disclose the approach to an enemy tribe.
A list of ZARIFE’S colts is as long as your arm. He is represented by
his colts in all parts of the United States today. The insatiable demand
for his blood continues.
Although ZARIFE’S coat is now white, his skin (like that of all purebred
Arabs) is coal black.
[Illustration: MONARCH OF ALL HE SURVEYS
ZARIFE—A.H.C. No. 885
(Bred by Prince Mohamed Aly of Cairo, Egypt, and imported to U.S.A.
in 1932 at the age of 4 years.)]
[Illustration: PROUD WORKER
RIFAGE—A.H.C. No. 1286
Foaled October 28, 1936]
Nearing the end of a two-day cattle drive, RIFAGE shows no signs of
fatigue. When his sharp ears have assured him no calves are lagging, he
will proceed on the drive. A wayward cow or calf may take him off into
the brush, up a rocky hillside or down to a boggy stream, but he will
get the job done and love doing it.
A son of International Champions, RIFAGE takes up the challenge of every
large-sized man who questions the little stallion’s ability to carry
him. Though only a little over 14 hands high and weighing less than 900
pounds, RIFAGE has easily carried a third of his weight for long hours.
He returns to the Ranch with a dry coat, dancing and prancing; still
ready to go. As much cannot be said about his rider!
RIFAGE, one of Trinidad’s principal stallions, has fathered many fine
colts. His colts are as large or larger than those of other stallions on
The Lazy VV Ranch.
Even during the heaviest of the breeding season, RIFAGE is doing his
share of the necessary work with the cattle. He is really a splendid cow
horse and a favorite of many of the cowboys.
[Illustration: HOMEWARD BOUND
ZARIFE at far left KABAR at far right]
Approaching the entrance gate of The Lazy VV Ranch, the two-day cattle
drive will soon be over. When cows and calves have had an opportunity to
“mother up” and get several days’ rest, the Arabs will escort them to
the mountain range; there they will pasture for the next few months.
During each week, the stallions you have seen on the foregoing pages
make regular trips to the Continental Divide to check cattle and their
feed. These trips take many hours each day. Perhaps a pastern will be
cut on the edge of some sharp rock; or a shoe may be lost; but these
sturdy, spirited horses will not be stopped or hindered. Their masters
have a job to do; and, as in the days of Arabian warfare, the master’s
most effective ally is his horse.
[Illustration: Arabian and horse]
The satisfaction any man enjoys from the use and ownership of a fine
horse is doubly enhanced when the animal is an Arabian. Its
dependability, gentleness and loyalty to him are unsurpassed.
[Illustration: Like that of his brothers, KABAR’S work
is perfection.]
Branding half over, there is a pause for refreshment! Horses are fed and
watered. All participants at the branding are served some of the Ranch’s
delicious, piping hot Baked Pinto Beans, with pork chops.
[Illustration: ANTICIPATION]
[Illustration: AROUND THE BEAN POT]
Yum! Yum! Trinidad Ranch Beans sure taste good. Easy to prepare,
delicious and nourishing ... they “hit the spot” and “stick to the
ribs,” as any cowboy will agree.
[Illustration: “UP MOUNT BALDY”
ZARIFE RIFAGE
GAZYL
A.H.C. No. 2820
Foaled April 26, 1944]
GAZYL has not been mentioned heretofore; but, like his sire ZARIFE, he
is making a good name for himself. Being of light chestnut color, with
flaxen mane and tail, he is being used primarily for breeding
chestnut-colored mares. This is the only true law of color breeding—a
chestnut bred to a chestnut will produce a chestnut colt.
Having driven The Lazy VV cattle to the lower part of the summer
mountain range, these stallions carry their masters to an altitude of
12,500 feet, to check the grazing land and to determine how long the
cattle should be kept in the lower mountain country. This will depend on
the condition of the grass.
This mountainside is steeper than it appears. Study the taut muscles in
the hind quarters. This is the work which builds better bone and muscle
and develops greater lung capacity in Trinidad’s Arabs.
When shipped to low altitudes, mountain-bred Arabs frequently can outdo
the native horses.
[Illustration: “SHEPHERDING HER BACK”
KAHAR, A.H.C. No. 1159
Foaled April 21, 1935]
As does every other stallion in Trinidad’s band of Arabs, this beautiful
bay works hard at rounding up the cattle of The Lazy VV Ranch and
dragging in his share of the calves to be branded.
One day, while gathering the cattle for the branding of the calves,
KAHAR was trailing a wayward cow in a belly-deep, ice-cold mountain
stream. His leg was caught underneath the water by a straggly willow
growth. Too anxious to stay with his chosen bovine victim, KAHAR lost
his footing in that willow growth. His rider landed in the stream and
KAHAR was carried fifty feet away in the swift water before he gained
his footing and climbed up the muddy bank, shivering. Did he run away
from his rider? No, he walked slowly back to the spot where he entered
the stream and waited for his water-soaked rider to mount again and take
up the chase.
KAHAR’S beauty is readily detected in the colts he sires. For the most
part, those colts are out of daughters of RIFAGE, which are
grand-daughters of ZARIFE.
[Illustration: Horse at desert oasis]
Because of the scarcity of water in Arabia, the Arab horse who spoiled
it was punished, of necessity. This respect for water has been so deeply
bred into the Arab that it takes a bit of training to change him.
Though small rations of water were the fate of desert Arabs, on The Lazy
VV Ranch a horse can bathe in it—as shown by KABAR, who unhesitatingly
trails a cow and two calves through a belly-deep stream.
KABAR is typical of the horse desired by ranchers and stockmen. He is
what is known as the “strong type” Arab. The other two types are the
“beautiful” and the “racing.” ZARIFE, RIFAGE and KAHAR belong in the
“beautiful” classification. The only “racing” type stallion raised on
The Lazy VV Ranch was BAREK, who is making his home with the Mexican
Government in Mexico City.
Most of the stud colts sired by KABAR have been sold to individual
ranchers, who are using them to produce better stock horses.
[Illustration: “WHERE YOU GO ... WE GO”
KABAR—A.H.C. No. 748
Foaled April 19, 1930]
[Illustration: MAMAS AND THEIR BABIES]
The life of an Arab mare on The Lazy VV Ranch differs greatly from her
desert sisters’ existence. In the desert, a mare carried her master in
tribal warfare, while the stallions stayed at home.
Any mare without a colt at her side is assigned the task of taking Lazy
VV Ranch riders over the high, rocky mountain trails. Brood mares are
left in the lush pastures to frolic and play with their colts. However,
not even the brood mares are coddled; they live and graze in the rugged
outdoors, year-round. Lazy VV Arabs must learn to care for themselves.
At the age of one year, these Arabs are halter broken; at two, they are
trained on the longe line, and some are driven; at three, they are
trained under saddle. Mares of sufficient size are bred at the age of
three, and every year thereafter.
[Illustration: A TYPICAL LAZY VV ARAB MARE AND HER FILLY COLT]
[Illustration: Since Bedouins rode their brood mares in warfare
right up to foaling date, this little stud colt, if born during such
a raid, would have been destroyed immediately. Happily, at The Lazy
VV, he receives gentle care.]
[Illustration: From a far end of one Lazy VV pasture, this little
girl brought some yearling fillies by calling and rattling the feed
bucket. They are determined to feed, but she can’t let them know
they were fooled.]
[Illustration: Hat and lariat]
[Illustration: FRIENDLY TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES CRAVE COMPANIONSHIP]
From the day it is born, a Lazy VV Arab knows nothing but love and
affection. The horse trainers have often said it is a “snap” to
halter-break a yearling Arab, because he is so used to arms encircling
his neck.
Everyone is encouraged to play with and become acquainted with the
Arabs. Such treatment brings out the innate affection of this breed.
[Illustration: AFFECTIONATE FRIEND]
Curious, too! Realizing the friendship of man, they will investigate
anything new and can make a job hard to accomplish. One colt
investigates Jack Kuhne’s camera, when he really wants to get the colt’s
picture for “Sons of Courage.” This technicolor short was made for 20th
Century-Fox, and is still showing throughout the country. Also still
showing is “Arabians in the Rockies,” the technicolor short released by
Warner Bros.
[Illustration: INQUISITIVE, ISN’T HE!]
[Illustration: WINTER FROLIC]
When snow covers the pastures, the mares and colts are more anxious than
ever for feeding time.
After these heavy snowfalls, RIFAGE must satisfy himself that all are
present and in good shape, for some of these colts are his.
[Illustration: WORK KNOWS NO SEASON]
[Illustration: SUNDAY SHOW]
Soon after Trinidad established its pure Arab Stud on The Lazy VV Ranch,
numerous people would stop by the Ranch with the hope they could “just
look at those Arabian horses.” These callers interrupted the routine
ranch work to such a degree that the decision was reached to set aside
Sunday morning, at which time the public might see the Arabs in various
phases of action.
These Sunday morning crowds outgrew the three stands which were
originally built to accommodate 150 spectators. The remaining hundreds
willingly stand around the railing from 9:45 until 11:30 A.M., to view
these gorgeous creatures going through their paces. This opportunity is
only provided during the three months of summer—mid-June through August.
Crowds prove the education is worth the discomfort. There is probably no
place in this country where a person can see so many Arabs, or learn
more about them during a two-hour period than by listening to the
announced comments and other information which is given as the Arabs are
shown.
It is truly a colorful spectacle to see 1,500 people from all walks of
life, dressed in varied attire, so intent and interested as they
encircle the Arab horse show ring at The Lazy VV.
[Illustration: POETRY IN MOTION]
Though authentic in cut, these Bedouin robes are not authentic in color.
Bright greens, reds, blues and gold add a sparkle to the Sunday showing
of the Arabs, while the Bedouins would be donning drab gray or brown
colors.
Lazy VV Arabs are not groomed and put up in stalls a day or so before
the Sunday crowds see them. These are the same horses that work the
cattle, make the various trips over rough mountain trails, or romp and
play in pastures during the week.
[Illustration: SHOW-OFF]
[Illustration: MASTER AND MIGHTY STEED]
Festive desert robes are donned to lend atmosphere and color to the
Sunday showing. Simulating their ancestors of 2,000 years ago, the Arabs
carry the riders of The Lazy VV in true Arabian style. Cameras click and
spectators thrill with joy as these jaunty “Arabians” charge into the
ring.
[Illustration: DESERT HORSEMEN]
[Illustration: THE “BOSS”]
L. W. Van Vleet, President of The Trinidad Bean and Elevator Co., does
the announcing and tells the Sunday show crowds about the purebred Arab.
This takes time and research, but the pure Arab is worthy of proper
presentation.
[Illustration: CRADLED AT THE FOOT OF THE DIVIDE]