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{{short description|North African breed of horse}}
Developed on the [[Barbary Coast]] of [[North Africa]], the '''Barb''' is a desert [[horse]], with great hardiness and stamina. Because of the amount of [[Horse breeding|cross-breeding]], it is difficult to find a pure-bred Barb today.The horses generally a fiery temperament and has less-desirable conformation, not typical for a sport horse, but has had an incredible impact on today's modern breeds.
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{redirect|Barb (horse)|the particular individual racehorse|The Barb|other uses|Barb (disambiguation)}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2011}}


{{Infobox horse
===History of the Breed===
| name = Barb horse
It is not exactly known where the Barb developed, although it is unlikely that the Barb and [[Arabian horse|Arabian]] share a common ancestor. The Barb originated in Northern Africa during the [[8th century]]. It is possible that is arose from crossing [[Turkmenistan|Turkmenian]] (the breed that also produced the Akhal-Teke) and [[Caspian|Caspian horses]], and descendants of Iberian horses. There are several varieties of Barb, including the Algerina, Moroccan, and Tunisian.
| image = Zafira Al Saida 0001.jpg
[[Image:a-Barb%20Horse.jpg|thumb|left|225px]]
| image_caption = A chestnut Barb horse standing on a sandy lot
When imported to Europe, they were often mistaken for Arabians, mainly because their handlers were northern African Muslims who spoke [[Arabic language|Arabic]]. The [[Godolphin Arabian|Godolphin "Arabian"]], which was one of the foundation sires for the [[thoroughbred]] breed, was actually a Barb stallion, and is now called the Godolphin ''Barb''. He was given to King [[Louis XV of France]] by a Moroccan sultan. It is said that he was working as a cart horse in Paris when an Englishman Edward Coke bought him and took him to England. When Coke died, the horse was acquired by renowned breeder Lord Godolphin, who used him for breeding to English mares.
| altname = Berber horse, Barbary horse, Barb
| country = Developed in the [[Maghreb]]
| color = Chestnut, bay (including dark bay), gray, or black. Roan and cream genes possible.
| height = {{convert|13.3|to|15.3|hands|abbr=on}} <!-- Height in hands, converted from 1.35 to 1.60 meters -->
| weight = {{convert|770|to|1100|lb|abbr=on}} <!-- Weight converted from 350 to 500 kg -->
| features = Generally convex profile, small and upright hooves, calm and balanced temperament.
| uses = [[Trail riding]], endurance, dressage, leisure, and war.
}}


The '''Barb horse''', also known as the '''Barbary horse''' ({{Langx|ar|حصان بربري}}), is a [[horse breed|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.
The Barb has also been used for creating the Spanish Barb, the [[American Quarter Horse]], the [[Mustang (horse)|Mustang]], the [[Appaloosa]], the [[Andalusian]] and the [[Lusitano]], as well as others. It is now bred primarily in Morocco, Algeria, Spain, and southern France, although, due to difficult economic times in its homeland, the number of pure-bred Barbs is decreasing. The World Organization of the Barb Horse, founded in Algeria in 1987, was formed to promote and preserve the breed. However, due to political situations, it is difficult to say how much of an increase in numbers or purity the breed will have.


== Etymology ==
===Breed Characteristics===
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.{{sfn|Jamali|2020|p=23}}{{sfn|Husser|2018|p=118}}{{sfn|Bogros|1987|p=31}} 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.{{sfn|Lassère|1991|p=1}} 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".<ref>{{cite book |last=Gouraud |first=Jean-Louis |title=Le Tour du monde en 80 chevaux: Petit abécédaire insolite |publisher=Actes Sud Nature |year=2014 |page=Chapter "Barb" |isbn=978-2-330-10203-6}}</ref> European sources also referred to this regional horse as "Berber," in reference to a region known under Roman rule as "Berberia" or "Barbaria".{{sfn|Edwards|1992|p=30}}{{sfn|Ravazzi|Siméon|2010|p=137}}{{sfn|Bongianni|1987|p=2}} The term "Berber" is rooted in the ancient Greek word ''barbaros'', a label the Romans used for non-Romans, especially the [[Numidians]].{{sfn|Jamali|2020|p=59}} 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]].{{sfn|Jamali|2020|p=23}}{{sfn|Bogros|1987|p=27}}
The Barb is a light riding horse with great stamina. In the hands of a skilled rider, the spirited horse can be handled. It has a powerful front end, high withers, short back, a sloping, narrow croup, and carries its tail low. It is hardy, with clean legs, and small, round, sound hooves. It does not have particularly good gaits, but has gallops like a sprinter, which has influenced the racing breeds such as the [[Thoroughbred]], [[American Quarter Horse]], and [[Standardbred]]. It usually is gray, but [[bay]], black, [[chestnut (coat)|chestnut]], and brown horses are also found, and the Barb stands 14-15 hands high.
== History ==
Theere are different types of the Barb including the Spanish Barb, the Abaco Barb, and others. The Abaco Barb can come in diffrent colors than the usual Barb. It comes in a Splash Overo color which is rare in other horse breeds, pinto, roan, chestnut, black, and the other Barb colors. There are only 12 Abaco Barbs left in the world!
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 bloodstock|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.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Blunt-Lytton |first=Judith |author-link=Judith Blunt-Lytton, 16th Baroness Wentworth |title=The Authentic Arabian Horse |edition=3rd |publisher=George Allen & Unwin Ltd. |year=1979 |isbn=0932748007}}</ref> Some sources argue that his conformation more closely resembled a high-quality Barb horse rather than an Arabian.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Whyte |first=James Christie |title=History of the British Turf, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day |volume=1 |year=1840 |publisher=H. Colburn |page=64}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Whyte |first=James Christie |title=History of the British Turf, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day |volume=1 |year=1840 |publisher=H. Colburn |page=84}}</ref> Other notable Barb horses included the ''Curwen Barb'' and the ''Toulouse Barb'', both influential in the early development of the Thoroughbred breed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Porter |first=V. |last2=Alderson |first2=L. |title=Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding |publisher=CABI |year=2016 |isbn=978-1780647944 |page=507}}</ref>
The Spainish Barb is the Spanish influence of the Barb. Cortés brought the Spanish Barb over from Spain and the type has pretty much died out. But, there's a few left and they are chestnut, black, brown, and gray.

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.{{what?|date=December 2022}} 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.<ref>{{Cite web| title = The Moroccan Barb Horse in the spotlight | access-date = 2023-11-28 |date=14 April 2014 | url = https://www.normandy2014.com/the-moroccan-barb-horse-in-the-spotlight/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625042946/https://www.normandy2014.com/the-moroccan-barb-horse-in-the-spotlight/ | archive-date = 2021-06-25 |website=Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy}}</ref>

=== Influence on other breeds ===
[[Image:Barbe harnachement spahi.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A Barb horse equipped with a [[Spahi]] harness|alt=A Barb horse equipped with a Spahi harness]]

The Barb may have had more influence on the racing breeds throughout the world than any other horse except the [[Arabian horse|Arabian]].<ref name="Grutz">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200701/the.barb.htm |first=Jane Waldron |last=Grutz |title=The Barb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070606075422/http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200701/the.barb.htm |archive-date=2007-06-06 |magazine=[[Saudi Aramco World]] |volume=58 |number=1 |date=January–February 2007 |access-date=23 February 2011}}</ref> [[berbers|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 horse|Andalusian]] (and the [[Lusitano]]).<ref name="Grutz" /> The Andalusian was highly prized and it was used for major development stock in horse breeding all over the world.<ref>Nissen, p. 41.</ref>{{Incomplete short citation|date=November 2023}}

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.<ref name="Grutz" /> During the 16th century, [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]] purchased a number of Barbary horses from [[Federico II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua|Federico Gonzaga]] of [[Mantua]], importing seven mares and a stallion.<ref name="Grutz" /> 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]].<ref name="Grutz" /> The influence of the Barb is also evident in the Argentinian [[Criollo (horse)|Criollo]], the [[Paso Fino]], and many other Western Hemisphere breeds, including the [[American Quarter Horse]], the [[Mustang horse|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 (horse)|collection]]— the posture that makes weight-bearing easiest for the horse—its eagerness to learn and its gentle nature."<ref name="Grutz" /> 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.<ref name="Grutz" />

== See also ==
* [[Andalusian horse]]
* [[Arabian horse]]
* [[Equine coat color genetics]]
* [[Horses in Morocco]]
* [[Spanish-Norman horse]]
* [[Spanish Barb]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |lang=fr |editor-first=Denis |editor-last=Bogros |title=Le Cheval barbe |location=Lausanne/Paris |publisher=Favre |series=Caracole |date=1987 |isbn=978-2-8289-0293-3 |oclc=462087614 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/462087614 |access-date=2022-06-14 }}
* {{cite Q |Q105945453 |page=2 |last=Bongianni |year=1987 |chapter=Berbère |language=it}}
* {{cite Q |Q81394872 |chapter=Barbe |pages=30-31 |last=Edwards |year=1992 |id=Edw92}}
* {{cite journal |first=Blandine |last=Husser |title=Le cheval Barbe entre France et Algérie : lumières et paradoxes d’une « race-fossile » (1542-1914) |journal=Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France |volume=171 |number=2 |date=2018 |doi=10.4267/2042/68964 |url=https://www.persee.fr/doc/bavf_0001-4192_2018_num_171_2_1409 |access-date=2022-06-13 |pages=117–123 |doi-access=free }}
* {{cite book |lang=fr |first=Yassine Hervé |last=Jamali |title=Le Cheval barbe |location=Arles |publisher=Actes Sud |series=Arts équestres |date=February 2020 |isbn=978-2-330-13111-1}}
* {{cite journal |first=Jean-Marie |last=Lassère |title=Barbe |journal=Encyclopédie berbère |number=9 |date=1991-04-01 |issn=1015-7344 |doi=10.4000/encyclopedieberbere.1292 |url=https://journals.openedition.org/encyclopedieberbere/1292 |access-date=2021-12-18 |pages=1348–1360}}
* {{cite Q |Q105104417 |page=137 |chapter=Berbère |last1=Ravazzi |last2=Siméon |year=2010 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}

{{Horse breeds of Africa}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horse breeds]]
[[Category:Horses]]
[[Category:North Africa]]
[[Category:Culture of North Africa]]
[[de:Berber (Pferd)]]
[[fr:Barbe (cheval)]]
[[pl:Koń berberyjski]]
[[sv:Berberhäst]]

Latest revision as of 15:37, 6 November 2024

Barb horse
A chestnut Barb horse standing on a sandy lot
Other namesBerber horse, Barbary horse, Barb
Country of originDeveloped in the Maghreb
Traits
Weight
  • 770 to 1,100 lb (350 to 500 kg)
Height
  • 13.3 to 15.3 h (55 to 63 in; 140 to 160 cm)
ColorChestnut, bay (including dark bay), gray, or black. Roan and cream genes possible.
Distinguishing featuresGenerally convex profile, small and upright hooves, calm and balanced temperament.

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.

Etymology

[edit]

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]

History

[edit]

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]

Influence on other breeds

[edit]
A Barb horse equipped with a Spahi harness
A Barb horse equipped with a Spahi harness

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]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Jamali 2020, p. 23.
  2. ^ Husser 2018, p. 118.
  3. ^ Bogros 1987, p. 31.
  4. ^ Lassère 1991, p. 1.
  5. ^ Gouraud, Jean-Louis (2014). Le Tour du monde en 80 chevaux: Petit abécédaire insolite. Actes Sud Nature. p. Chapter "Barb". ISBN 978-2-330-10203-6.
  6. ^ Edwards 1992, p. 30.
  7. ^ Ravazzi & Siméon 2010, p. 137.
  8. ^ Bongianni 1987, p. 2.
  9. ^ Jamali 2020, p. 59.
  10. ^ Bogros 1987, p. 27.
  11. ^ Blunt-Lytton, Judith (1979). The Authentic Arabian Horse (3rd ed.). George Allen & Unwin Ltd. ISBN 0932748007.
  12. ^ Whyte, James Christie (1840). History of the British Turf, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Vol. 1. H. Colburn. p. 64.
  13. ^ Whyte, James Christie (1840). History of the British Turf, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day. Vol. 1. H. Colburn. p. 84.
  14. ^ Porter, V.; Alderson, L. (2016). Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding. CABI. p. 507. ISBN 978-1780647944.
  15. ^ "The Moroccan Barb Horse in the spotlight". Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy. 14 April 2014. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g Grutz, Jane Waldron (January–February 2007). "The Barb". Saudi Aramco World. Vol. 58, no. 1. Archived from the original on 6 June 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
  17. ^ Nissen, p. 41.

Sources

[edit]
[edit]