Intro
One of the ancestoral breeds, the Barb has bloodlines as old (or older) than the Arabian. Like the Arabian, it is a desert horse, however that is where their similarities end.
Origins
It is believed that the Arabian & Barb bloodlines met at some point during the Muslim conquests in he 7th & 8th centuries. Many of the Barb’s confirmation charactoristics proved to be dominate & 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 & 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 & spirit
Tough & resistant
Unstable personality
Use
Military horses
General riding
Competition horse
Agriculture work
Barb Horse Products
Helpful links
*All links open in a new window
Saudi Aramco World.com
Spanish Barb Breeders Association