Horse
Breed Description:
The Barb breed of horse is a desert horse like the Arabian, but is generally shorter. However, the Barb is heavier and has greater bone and muscle density. Its features are unrefined and the horse breed in general has probably changed very little from its undomesticated state. The Barb breed of horse carries its tail low, has a stout neck, and small but sound hooves. It is typically bay in color, but can also be gray, black, brown, or chestnut. The Barb horse has a short but compact back and very strong front legs. Not being known as a superb gaited horse, the Barb possesses incredible speed over short distances and is widely known for its seemingly limitless stamina.
Temperament:
The Barb horse is independent in nature and requires an adept and firm handler. The Barb breed of horse is exceedingly loyal when treated well, and is a willing and tireless worker. Because of its history, the Barb has been bred to be hardy and can sustain itself on very little feed and water. The Barb is fearless and has been used for centuries as a close-combat animal in times of war.
Height:
13.3 to 14.1 hh
Health Problems:
Barb horses possess excellent health and are easy to keep as a result. Foals or Barb horses that are less than one year old may suffer from ailments similar to those that are seen in Arabians, such as SCID, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Lavender Foal Syndrome, and epilepsy. However, these conditions almost exclusively affect foals in this breed, and therefore adult Barbs are found to be in superior health. Barb horses are decreasing in numbers due to economic conditions in the countries where they are primarily found, although even in those countries the Barb populations are in sound health.
Origin:
The origins of the Barb breed of horses are unclear. There has been significant debate over whether the Barb influenced the Arabian, or vice versa. In either case, the Barb has been known to be a domesticated breed for at least 2,000 years. Breed stocks were maintained by the Barbary countries of Northern Africa, and the breed has had a significant influence on other horse breeds around the world. In fact, it has been postulated that the Barb has the second most influence worldwide on other breeds, only after the Arabian.
