The Legend of the Al-Khamsa

A long time ago, in a desert far, far away lived the Prophet of Allah - Mohammed. In this desert, he had a band of exquisitely beautiful mares in all of the colors that Allah had painted horses from the beginning of time. Only because Allah loves infinite variety. One day, Mohammed decided to test his mares by taking them on trek across the Rub al-Kahli, also known as "The Empty Quarter". On and on the mares galloped, flying over the dunes so lightly that their hooves disturbed not even one grain of sand. After some hours had passed, the mares crested a dune and caught the scent of water on the breeze. Turing to follow this most delicate of scents, the mare's never-tiring strides lengthened and became faster as they galloped onward toward the thirst quenching water at the oasis. The scent of water became more and more intense filling the nostrils of the mares as they approached the oasis. Their thirst pushing them to gallop even faster. When the oasis was finally in sight, Mohammed cried out the "zagahreet" call to battle. Of the band of mares, only five turned from their thirst when they heard the call and returned to Mohammed's side. It is these five who are the"Al-Khamsa", The Five, the foundation of the Arabian horse of today....as the legend goes.

The loyalty, trust, and companionship as exemplified by the Arabian mares of the legend is shown by the Saluki hound as well. Through the centuries the Bedouin have created desert creatures of premier function, beauty, and elegance. At Khamsa we strive to follow what can be discerned as a "Region-of-Origin" Bedouin standard to preserve and protect what the Bedouin have created through the centuries:

Classical elegance, type and performance.