Spanish Barb

Tracing a lineage from Andalusian and Spanish Jennet horses in North America during the 16th century, the Spanish-Barb breed was most prevalent in the Southeast and Southwest areas of Spanish settlement.  Spanish-Barb horses provided the foundation for Choctaw Indian and Chickasaw breeds- and the Chickasaw horses played a role in the develoment of the American Quarter Horse.  In the Southwest, Spanish barb horses were owned by the early Spanish and Mexican cowboys- and later became the foundation for wild mustang herds in the west.

The Spanish barb horses almost were absorbed into the general horse population, but thanks to a few dedicated families and ranchers, the breed has survived.  No attempt at registry was done until the Spanish Barb Breeders association was formed in 1972.

The Spanish Barb breed weighs between 800 and 975 pounds, and are small- between 13.3 and 14.1 hands.  They have a smooth gait causing a comfortable ride, and are surefooted which makes them excel on trails.