A ‘Prophet’s Thumbprint’ is a birthmark in the form of an indentation about the size of a thumb. It is usually found on the side of a horse’s neck but can also be on the quarters. While they are indentations in the muscle, these ‘thumbprints’ are thought to be harmless, and instead are part of an ancient legend.
The Bedouin legend of the Prophet’s Thumbprint has been carried through the generations. To this day, horses who bear this mark are believed to be exceptional.
The Science (Reference Agrihealth)
A prophet’s thumbprint is a depression in the muscle, usually found on the lower part of a horse’s neck or shoulder. It is often triangular but may also be linear, looking just like a thumbprint in a piece of bread dough.
La Sarita’s Facundo at KL Polo Club
There are a few intriguing theories as to their cause but basically they are the result of the local loss of a small amount of the muscle tissue. In many cases, they are caused by an injury – such as from a kick from another horse. Some people, however, believe they are caused by pressure of a hoof or the umbilical cord while the foal is still inside the mare. Though a large number of new-born foals don’t have a prophet’s thumbprint present at birth or within the first few months of life. In most cases, they seem to ‘appear’ without anyone noticing when they first become apparent. They do not cause any problems.
Historically, horses with a prophet’s thumbprint were considered to be ‘special’, as they were thought to be a descendant of one of the five mares marked by the Prophet Mohammed PBUH for being loyal and brave.
The Myth
While the myth originated with the Arabian horse, the thumbprint today is borne by many varieties of equines, including Thoroughbreds, polo ponies and mixed breed ponies. When we consider that Arabians were used as a foundation for so many breeds, perhaps it is no surprise that this is the case. It speaks to the validity of this legend.
Here is the tale of The Five Mares of Mohammed, as told by Ilil Arbel, Ph.D.
The Five Mares of Mohammed
The hot desert wind blew against the tent, driving the dust inside. Fatima walked softly in, carrying an earthenware jug full of cold water, and handed it to the Prophet. “Please, stop tormenting yourself, Mohammed,” she said, “drink some water!”
“I will drink when the test is over, and the horses can drink, too. I cannot drink knowing they are thirsty,” said the Prophet to his daughter.
“I do not understand this test, nor do I like it,” said Fatima angrily. “Depriving the horses from drinking for three full days is cruel. I cannot believe you would do it, a man who loves animals better than himself!”
“I must. Allah commanded me — would you have me disobey God? The spread of Islam depends greatly on the loyalty and strength of our horses. The best of these horses, said Allah, will be honored till the end of time… But it is the evening of the third day now, so let us go to the horses and conduct the test.”
He took a horn that hung at the tent’s entrance, and walked toward an enclosure where about a hundred horses were confined, a little distance from the water hole of the oasis. The horses looked reproachfully at their beloved master as he quickly opened the gate. Tormented by thirst, the horses galloped to the water hole, but before they could reach it, Mohammed raised the horn to his lips and sounded the call for war.
The horses ignored it. They were so thirsty that perhaps they couldn’t even hear it, and went on galloping toward the water. But not all of them. Five mares stopped. Without hesitation, they turned around and returned to Mohammed, ready to do whatever was required of them.
The Prophet stroked their silky manes, tears in his eyes. He led them to the water and envisioned the glorious future as they drank. He knew that these mares would foal the finest of Arab horses, the only horses of pure blood, the horses that would help bring Islam to every corner of the Earth.
***
Why is it called a ‘Prophet’s Thumbprint’? It is said that the Prophet Mohammed PBUH pressed his thumb into their necks of the five loyal mares, marking them with his thumbprint.
The five mares were used for breeding of the Arabian horse. Thoroughbreds were originally founded the interbreeding of five Arabian horses, so the blood flows through them as well.
A horse with the prophet’s thumbprint is said to come from the bloodline of these five mares. While the science is that is a physical defect, the anecdotal evidence is that it is a trait that breeders see passed down to their offspring.
The thought it that is genetically handed down, and the legend is that these horses are marked for greatness. To a Muslim, a horse with the prophet’s thumbprint should be treasured and treated with great respect, as they are thought to be the descendants of these five most loyal and courageous mares.
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