Five Mares of Mohammed
glazed ceramic sculpture

According to legend, Mohammed ordered that a herd of horses be left without water for seven days. When their enclosure was opened, the animals raced towards the watering place. But the prophet then sounded the call to battle. Immediately five mares turned in response and raced back to him without having first quenched their thirst. All purebred Arabians are said to be descended from these five mares.