Barb
Intro
One of the ancestoral breeds, the Barb has bloodlines as old or older than the Arabian horse. Like the Arabian, it is a desert horse, however that is where their similarities end.
Origins
It is believed that the Arabian and Barb bloodlines met at some point during the Muslim conquests in he 7th and 8th centuries. Many of the Barb’s confirmation charactoristics proved to be dominate and few of the Arabian refinements are seen in pure Barb bloodlines.
Playing a large part in the evolution of most Spanish breeds, especially the Andalusian, the Barb blood also played a part in the modern day Thoroughbred.
Still found in plentiful numbers in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia the stallions are traditionally used as the mounts for the Spahi cavalry.
Features
Average height 14.2-15.2 hands
Built to cover long distances on meager rations
Drought resistant
Great stamina
Agile movement
Physique
Straight profile
Arched neck
Flat, upright shoulders
Rounded hindquarters, low set tail
Legs are slender and hard
Narrow, durable feet
Traditional Colors
Temperament
High strung desert horse, bred for speed and spirit
Tough and resistant
Unstable personality
Pros
Fast over short distance
Cons
High strung and difficult
Use
Military horses
General riding
Competition horse
Agriculture work
Helpful links
*All links open in a new window
Barb Horse French Association
Original Horses
Saudi Aramco World.com
Where to Buy
Barb Studs
Spanish Barb Breeders Association
