The tuft where the saddle-girths pass, nekhlet el hazame multiplies the flocks.
The tuft on the flank, nekhlet eshebour, "the tuft of the spurs." If it is turned towards the back, it preserves the rider from misadventure in war: if it is turned towards the belly, it is a sign of riches for its master.
The following white tufts bring misfortune:
Netahyat, a tuft over the eyebrows: the master will die, shot through the head.
Nekhlet el nâash, the coffin tuft, grows close to the withers and goes down towards the shoulder. The rider will not fail to perish on the back of such a horse.
Neddabyat, the mourners; a tuft on the cheek; debts, tears, ruin.
Nekhlet el khriana, the thieves' tuft. It is close to the fetlock joint, and night and morning it prays: "O Allah! grant that I may be stolen, or that my master may die!"
The tuft by the side of the tail announces trouble, misery, and famine.
The tuft on the inner part of the thigh: women, children, flocks, all will disappear.
Such is the classification generally adopted. It is not, however, absolute, for it varies according to localities, each tribe increasing or diminishing the number of its lucky and unlucky tufts. It will be seen that I have alluded only to the principal coats without entering upon the gradation of shades, which would have carried me too far astray. Making every allowance for prejudice and superstition, it is clear that the Arabs are fond of dark and decided colours, while they look upon light and faded colours, as well as white spots upon the head, carcase, and limbs, if broad or long, as signs of weakness and degeneracy of race. Every Arab has his own favourite coat. Some like black horses and others gray, while others again affect bays or chestnuts. Their preferences and antipathies are usually based on family associations. With such a coat their ancestors achieved a brilliant success—with such another they encountered a grievous calamity. They will thus often refuse a good horse, without giving any other reason than "It is not my colour."