Arabs' skeletal differences

So I read somewhere that Arabians (and sometimes Arab crosses like the Morab) have fewer ribs and lumbar vertebrae than other horse breeds.

Is this true to most of today's Arabians, or has it sort of been diminished by crossbreeding or 'impure' horses? Is it found in only or mostly arabs that have bloodlines originating in a certain area (like, say Desert bred, or Crabbet)?

My father always said Arabs had 2 less vertabrae in their backs. Dad likes to tell a few tall tales, so I take most anything he says with a grain of salt. But, I've never looked it up to find out if he was telling the truth or not.

A quick google search indicates that some Arabs have one less vertebre and 1 to 2 less ribs.. I didn't see where it indicated certain regions or lines, but it would be reasonable to assume that it would be hereditary so probably.

I've also heard that not all horses have the same number of vertebre anyway .. *shrug*

I've not done any real research on the subject though.

Oh, and TexanFreedom .. you should check out our Texas Thread (see my signature)

I read that in a book they have less ribs and vertebrae, and sometimes Morabs and other crosses inherit it, so I was just wondering.

@texasgal; Sounds cool, I will ;)