Spanish Barb
 FindaPetOnlineAverage Size: 14-15 hh (56-60 in)
Breed: Spanish Barb

Crucial Specs:
  • Strong hooves
  • Rare
  • African/Spanish descent








The term “Spanish Barb” is one used by American Mustang breeders. The Spanish Mustang Registry refers to a primitive Barb type of Mustang, that it says is a Spanish descendant of the African Barb horse of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

The Spanish Barb has shorts ears that are usually notched at the tip. It has a broad forehead, well arched neck, small muzzle and medium legs. A slightly rounded or angular croup, medium or low tail, very muscular neck and full mane and tail are also characteristic of this breed. Their hooves are very large and so durable that they very rarely require shoes. They are usually a solid color often seen in sorrel, chestnut or black, but also roan, dun, buckskin or grullo.

This breed of horse is very spirited, strong and determined. But, with the right trainer, the Spanish Barb can be easy to train and eager to please. The horse is also known for its very smooth and gentle ride, once properly trained. Because it is so strong and sure of foot, it makes a very suitable horse for working on ranches. They are also great horses for endurance and trail riding.

The Spanish Barb resulted when Spanish horses were crossbred with the African Barb. It is famous for helping the Spanish Conquistadors exert their dominance over the New World. It helped to shape American history by quickly adapting to its new environment and working successfully as a mission horse, war horse and ranch horse. Unfortunately, there are very few of these historical animals left in the world, and they are only recognized in the U.S.