Arabian horses are the topic of many myths and legends. One origin story tells how Muhammad chose his foundation mares by a test of their courage and loyalty. While there are several variants on the tale, a common version states that after a long journey through the desert, Muhammad turned his herd of horses loose to race to an oasis for a desperately needed drink of water. Before the herd reached the water, Muhammad called for the horses to return to him. Only five mares responded. Because they faithfully returned to their master, though desperate with thirst, these mares became his favorites and were called "Al Khamsa," meaning, "the five." These mares became the legendary founders of the five "strains" of the Arabian horse. Although the "Al Khamsa" are generally considered fictional horses of legend, some breeders today claim the modern Bedouin Arabian actually descended from these mares.