breeds, including the Quarter Horse, Criollo, and Paso Fino, all of which inherited the Barb’s compact build,
BREED
The Barb
strength, agility, and intelligence. In 1987, the World Organization of the Barb Horse (WOBH) was founded. Headquartered in Algeria, this NGO unites countries in Northwest Africa’s Maghreb region, including Morocco and Tunisia, as well as several European
The Barb is native to Northwest Africa’s Maghreb region, and MATHILDE GREGOIRE explores their fascinating story.
T
nations, with the aim of safeguarding and supporting the breed, which in some areas has come close to extinction. Following this initiative, in 1989 France created its own studbook, the Association Française du Cheval
he Barb or Berber horse
suggest that the Barb has been native
Barbe, as a sub-branch of WOBH.
originates from the cradle
to North Africa for over 3,000 years.
In 2003, Morocco stepped forward with
countries of Algeria, Morocco
Traditionally, they lived closely with the
the Royal Equestrian Society - Société
and Tunisia, formerly known as the
region’s nomadic Berber tribes. When the
Royale d’Encouragement du Cheval
Barbary Coast and from which the
North African Moors invaded Spain in the
(SOREC). Endorsed by the Kingdom of
breed takes its name. Known for their
8th Century, they took their horses with
Morocco, its purpose is to drive interest in
hardiness and stamina, the Barb has
them, spreading the bloodline through
the country’s equestrian cultural identity
for centuries been bred for farm work,
Europe’s native breeds and creating
and to promote its native breeds. This
hunting, and war. A striking saddle
the foundations for Thoroughbreds,
initiative was successful in preserving the
horse that excels at endurance, their
Andalusians and Lusitanos.
Barb heritage, with numbers doubling
bloodlines can be traced to many other breeds across Europe and the US.
A long history Archeologists discovered evidence to
Barb horses were later introduced to the
between 2011 and 2017.
Americas by Spanish explorers in the
Today, the Barb is bred primarily in
early days of settlement, fundamentally
northern African countries, as well
influencing and shaping many American
as Spain and France, where they
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