Horse Country

All thoroughbred horses descend from one of three Arabian stallions brought from the Middle East to England between 1689 and 1730. Famous for their stamina, the Arabians begat a breed able to sustain speed over extended distances. Later, thoroughbreds were crossed to create other breeds meant for sport. Below, a few branches of their sprawling family tree. BY GENE MENEZ

1679-98

BYERLEY TURK

Named for Capt. Robert Byerley, who captured the horse from the Turks in 1688. He was the captain's mount in the Battle of Boyne in 1690.

1700-30

DARLEY ARABIAN

Bought from a Syrian tribe by consul Thomas Darley in 1704. Sired, among many others, Bulle Rock, the first thoroughbred brought to the U.S.

1724-53

GODOLPHIN ARABIAN

Brought to Paris then to England in about 1730 by Edward Coake, then acquired by the Earl of Godolphin, who put him to stud.