Horse
Breed Description:
The M’Bayar breed of horse is an extraordinarily rare breed, about which very little is known. Actually a pony breed, the M’Bayar was developed in Senegal, most likely from the Barb horse. The M’Bayar horse is a light-framed horse used for the pulling of carts, and for pack animal purposes. The breed has pronounced withers, a compact but well-muscled back, and clean legs. It has small but very hard hooves. The M’Bayar is not a particularly good riding horse, as it lacks the refined and consistent gaits of other horses, but it is exceptionally quick at the gallop. The M’Bayar is almost exclusively found in either bay or chestnut coloring.
Temperament:
Due to the high amount of Barb influence in the M’Bayar, the breed is most likely a fiery and high spirited animal. Like most pony breeds, the M’Bayar is probably very energetic but somewhat defiant, and may be prone to obnoxious behavior. However, the breed is undoubtedly very willing to work and please its handlers, and because of its eager-to-please nature and short, compact conformation, is surely adept at a great multitude of tasks put to it.
Height:
Unknown, but probably about 13 hh to 14 hh
Health Problems:
There are no known major health issues that affect the M’Bayar breed of horse. However, due to the poor conditions in its homeland of Senegal, it is probable that the M’Bayar is forced to subsist on meager rations, and probably thrives despite this. As the M’Bayar evolved from the Barbary horses, it is likely that it is a very hardy animal.
Origin:
There is little information to be found concerning the history and origins of the M’Bayar breed of horse. It is known that the breed was used in the development of the Fouta, which is another breed of light horse/pony from Senegal, West Africa. Due to the spread of Islam that occurred during the early Christian era, it is likely that the M’Bayar was bred from Barb horses as Muslims spread their empire to encompass a vast swath of eastern Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Middle East. 