Breed Profile
Horse From Antiquity: The Barb

March 1, 2008

The Barb’s history traces to the Caucasus Mountains between the Black and Caspian Seas. From there, the Barb horse went to North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. They were already in Spain with the Hebrew people when they were reintroduced to that area by the Moors and Berbers.

During the Spanish colonization, Barbs came with the Hebrew people to North America, ending up in areas of the southwestern United States. The International Barb Horse Registry Barb is neither a "Spanish Barb" nor a "BLM mustang," as some have mistakenly reported.

The Barb is a "hot-blooded" horse, meaning its red blood corpuscle count is 35% higher than "cold-bloods" such as draft horses.  This allows for higher endurance and faster recuperation.  The ideal Barb is alert, curious, and spirited in temperament, highly intelligent and robust, and known for strong legs and good feet.  Official breed colors include duns, blacks, blue corns, chestnuts, bays, and palominos, among others.

The Barb horse is a versatile breed for all types of horse lovers and riding disciplines. They are easy keepers with good sensibility. They make excellent all-around using horses and combine stamina, endurance, and hardiness.

The IBHR is an autonomous registry for the recording of the pure bloodlines. Additionally, there is the International Society for the Promotion of the Barb Horse (ISPBH). For information about selection of foundation stock, Barb characteristics, and more, refer to the website www.originalhorses.org.

Information and photos provided by IBHR (www.originalhorses.org)