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North African breed of horse From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Barb horse, also known as the Barbary horse (Arabic: حصان بربري), is a breed of riding horse with historic roots in North Africa. Known for its hardiness and stamina, it has influenced a number of modern breeds, including many in northern and western Africa.
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2011) |
A chestnut Barb horse standing on a sandy lot | |
| Other names | Berber horse, Barbary horse, Barb |
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| Country of origin | Developed in the Maghreb |
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| Color | Chestnut, bay (including dark bay), gray, or black. Roan and cream genes possible. |
| Distinguishing features | Generally convex profile, small and upright hooves, calm and balanced temperament. |
The first recorded use of the name "Barb" appears in the translation of the work Description of Africa by Hassan al-Wazzan (better known as Leo Africanus), which predates its adoption across Europe.[1][2][3] The Barb horse breed derives its name from the Barbary Coast states, according to French historian Jean-Marie Lassère, who attributes the name to the tradition of naming animals based on their geographical origin.[4] Jean-Louis Gouraud, on the other hand, connects the Barb to the Berbers (the European name for the Imazighen), stating that "their histories and fates are inseparable".[5] European sources also referred to this regional horse as "Berber," in reference to a region known under Roman rule as "Berberia" or "Barbaria".[6][7][8] The term "Berber" is rooted in the ancient Greek word barbaros, a label the Romans used for non-Romans, especially the Numidians.[9] Before this distinction, the term "Barb horse" was often synonymous with the Spanish Jennet or Zenata horse, referring to horses bred by the Moors (the European term for the conquerors of Al-Andalus) in the Iberian Peninsula.[1][10]
When imported to Europe, Barbs were sometimes mistaken for Arabians, although they have distinctly different physical characteristics. Europeans noted the similarities in size and appearance between the two breeds, particularly as both were handled by Berber Muslims who spoke Arabic. For instance, the Godolphin Arabian, one of the foundation sires of the Thoroughbred, was often referred to as the "Godolphin Barb" due to his origins in Tunisia, though his actual breed remains debated.[11] Some sources argue that his conformation more closely resembled a high-quality Barb horse rather than an Arabian.[12][13] Other notable Barb horses included the Curwen Barb and the Toulouse Barb, both influential in the early development of the Thoroughbred breed.[14]
The Barb is now bred primarily in Algeria, Morocco, Spain and southern France. Due to difficult economic times in North Africa, the number of purebred Barbs is decreasing.[clarification needed] The World Organization of the Barb Horse, founded in Algeria in 1987, was formed to promote and preserve the breed. In 2014, the International Equestrian Federation recognized the Barb horse as their Horse of Honor at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.[15]
The Barb may have had more influence on the racing breeds throughout the world than any other horse except the Arabian.[16] Berber invaders from North Africa took their horses, the forerunners of today's Barbs, to Europe from the early eighth century onwards. Once established with settlers on the Iberian Peninsula, the Barb horse was bred with Spanish stock under 300 years of Umayyad patronage to develop the Andalusian (and the Lusitano).[16] The Andalusian was highly prized and it was used for major development stock in horse breeding all over the world.[17][incomplete short citation]
Historical references to "Barbary" horses include Roan Barbary, owned by King Richard II of England in the 14th century. The Barb horses were valued by other Europeans, including the Italians, whose noble families established large racing stables.[16] During the 16th century, Henry VIII purchased a number of Barbary horses from Federico Gonzaga of Mantua, importing seven mares and a stallion.[16] He continued to buy other Barbs and Andalusians. After the Royal Stables were sold off under Cromwell, private owners in England continued to value the Barbs and used them to develop the Thoroughbred.[16] The influence of the Barb is also evident in the Argentinian Criollo, the Paso Fino, and many other Western Hemisphere breeds, including the American Quarter Horse, the Mustang and the Appaloosa.
Despite its importance as a progenitor of other breeds, the Barb is less renowned than the Arab, possibly because it was considered a less attractive-looking breed. In other important qualities, the Barb has the same stamina and endurance, the same ability to thrive on meager rations, and the same sure-footedness and speed over short distances. The Barb also was valued for its "strong, short-coupled body, perfect for collection— the posture that makes weight-bearing easiest for the horse—its eagerness to learn and its gentle nature."[16] Because of these characteristics, beginning in the 16th century, the horses were also trained for dressage, in Paris and other European capitals. Sixteenth-century and later portraits of royalty on horses frequently portrayed the latter in dressage positions.[16]
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