The (African) Barb

The Barb comes from the coastal belt of North-West Africa, countries such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia and, like the Arab, have had a tremendous effect on many breeds of horse that we see today. they are an extremely ancient breed, and little is known about their exact origins, although they do bear some similarities to the postulated primitive Horse Type 3. It has been the subject of great debate as to whether the Barb or the Arabian came first. It is likely that the Barb contains some Arabian blood, and it is testament to the dominance of the Barb's genes that they have maintained their characteristics. Having said that, however, the Barb has been extensively cross-bred in in recent years and exists in slightly varying types across North Africa. The Barb and the Arab are both typical desert horses with fine skin, and great endurance. However, the two breeds should not, be confused.

The Barb has very distinctive characteristics, such as their convex or Roman profile that is seen in many of the Iberian horses influenced by the Barb. In appearance, the Barb has a fairly narrow head, that tapers from the forehead to fine nostrils. They have curved ears, which are also seen in the Arab, and expressive oriental type eyes. They tend to have a muscular neck which curves gently from prominent withers to the poll. Often the shoulders are rather flat and straight, which is strange considering their speed and agility. The chest is deep, but can be quite narrow. The tend to be slender through the frame, but have a good depth of girth, and have sloping quarters with a low-set tail. Their legs are slender but extremely tough and strong, and the feet, although somewhat boxy, are very hard, and rarely prone to lameness. Conformational faults appearing in the legs are sometimes cow hocks, and forelegs to close together; neither seems to affect their soundness. Typically they are quite small, like the Arabian, and their height ranges from 14hh to 15hh. They are now generally grey, although this may be due to Arab influence but they can also be bay, brown, or chestnut, and were probably originally mostly darker colors.

They are incredibly hardy small horses with great powers of endurance and stamina, as well as being resistant to extreme climate conditions. They lack the natural grace of the Arabian and do not move as freely but are equally fast, if not faster, over short distances. Barbs today are still very much in evidence in North Africa especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and are often clothed in decorative tack with semi-precious jewels as a demonstration of the owners wealth. The Barb has a considerable affect on the Spanish horses, and is indeed believed to be a direct ancestor of the Spanish horse. Barbs were introduced to Spain during the Moorish invasions and influenced the Andalusian and Spanish horse, and through many of them, many other breeds of horse in Europe and America. the Barb is also credited with having a profound influence on the development of the Camargue horse of France to which it bears a striking resemblance, the Irish Connemara, and various French breeds including the Limousin.

The number of pure Barb Horses is decreasing, due to the economic situation in its original countries. To help against this problem, the World Organisation of the Barb Horse (OMCB: Organisation Mondiale du Cheval Barbe) was founded in Algeria in 1987. Members are the original countries Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, together with some other European breeders' associations. Due to unfortunate political circumstances in Algeria, since the beginning of the nineties the work of the organization has decreased to a minimum.


Written by Salina Covich. - 2004 (c)

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