Barb Horse

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: August 6th, 2016

About Barb Horse

Weight

900-1,000 lb

Physique

Medium build, muscular

Lifespan

20-25 years

Best Suited For

All levels of horse owners, trainers, and riders

Temperament

Eager to learn, gentle, docile, and willing

Comparable Breeds

Arabian Horse, Thoroughbred Horse

Height

Barb Horse Breed History

It is believed that the Barb Horse, which is also known as the Berber Horse, originated from northern Africa’s coastal region, which used to be referred to as the Barbary Coast.

There is also a bit of controversy surrounding whether Arabian horses and Barb horses share a single common ancestor, or if the Arabian is a predecessor of Barb horses. In fact, when the Barb Horse arrived in Europe, the breed was initially mistaken for the Arabian Horse, even though barb horses didn’t really share any of the physical characteristics of the Arabian, aside from being similar in size.

Barb horses are ideal for general riding.

Berber invaders in the early part of the 8th century ended up taking their horses into Europe. There, they bred their horses with Spanish horses and developed the Andalusian Horse.

The Barb breed became highly valued throughout Europe after the 14th century. Noble families there had large racing stables. Meanwhile, in England, the breed was utilized to develop the beloved Thoroughbred for horse racing.

Like the Arabian Horse, the Barb Horse likely has had a lot of influence on racing equine breeds. It is believed that this breed probably had more influence on racing horses than any other horse breed, but the Barb’s influence could also be seen in several other equine breeds, such as the Appaloosa, the American Quarter Horse, the Mustang, the Paso Fino, and the Argentinian Criollo.

Today, the Barb Horse is primarily bred in Spain, Algeria, southern France, and Morocco. There are also different varieties of the Barb Horse, and these include the Moroccan Barb, Tunisian Barb, Abaco Barb, and Algerian Barb.

Breed Traits

The Barb Horse has a willing personality, so it can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, these animals have been successfully used in both agriculture and the military. They are also ideal horses for general riding, and they can even be used in competitive equine sports.

Barb horses are wonderful to work with because they have an eagerness to learn, which makes them easy to train. They are also gentle and docile in nature, making them a wonderful equine companion for horse owners, riders, and trainers of all levels.

The Barb Horse likely had a lot of influence on racing breeds.

Overall Description

The Barb Horse features a straight or slightly convex profile, and a neck that is slightly arched. You will also notice that these horses showcase flat, upright shoulders.

The front of this horse’s body is powerful, with high withers. Also, the hindquarters are sloping, narrow, and rounded, while the back is medium or short in length.

You will also note that the croup could be slightly angular or rounded. The tail is set low and, like the mane, it is full. This horse also has slender legs that are clean and hardy, and the feet are durable and narrow, while the hooves are round and small.

Barb horses will have ears that are moderate or short in length, and they can be notched at the tip as well. The eyes are expressive, the head will taper towards a small muzzle, and the forehead will be broad.

The gait of the Barb Horse allows it to gallop much like a sprinter. These horses also have a high amount of stamina, and they are able to travel over long distances even when food supplies are limited. The breed’s movement is agile, and it is also resistant to droughts.

Overall, this horse has an appearance that can be described as smooth and balanced. There is depth of body and neck, a distinctly refined head, well-set and clean legs, and roundness of hip that combine to make this an attractive breed.

The Barb Horse has a willing and docile personality.

Colors

Barb horses are usually solid colored, and common colors for this breed include brown, black, sorrel, chestnut, gray, and bay.

The most common color is gray, but shades of buckskin, dun, grullo, and roan are also possible. And the Spanish Barb, in particular, can be found in all equine colors, including tobiano and overo.

Grooming Requirements

Grooming the Barb Horse regularly is a great way to bond with your animal, as well as ensure that it will remain healthy and clean. After all, regular grooming sessions will even help to prevent a variety of skin problems and other conditions, such as thrush.

If your Barb is involved in dressage, you definitely need to spend extra time thoroughly cleaning and smoothing the coat, including the thick mane and tail.

Some of the tools that you should have in your equine grooming kit include a curry comb, a shedding blade, a dandy brush with stiff bristles, a body brush with soft bristles, a hoof pick, a brush specifically for the mane and one for the tail, and a rub rag.

Washing your horse with equine shampoo can thoroughly clean the skin and coat, but be gentle and don’t use too much soap, which can be irritating and drying to the skin and hair. Replenish lost moisture and shine by using an equine conditioner after shampooing.

Photo credit: Berberstute Zafira Al Saïda/Wikimedia; Laurent Nguyen/Wikimedia; Notwist/Wikimedia

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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American Quarter Horse

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Boulonnais Horse

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Mustang Horse

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Palomino Horse

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What Should I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

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Why Do My Betta Fish’s Fins Look Ripped?

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While bringing a puppy home can be such a joyful and exciting event, it doesn’t mean it’s without challenges –especially for first-time dog owners. One of the (many) burning questions new puppy parents have is why their pet is whining and if it’s a sign of distress. Simply put, just like human babies, puppies need to communicate with the brand-new world around them. They do this by whining, which is their number one tool for expressing fear, hunger, frustration, or anything in between. The nuances can be difficult to spot when you’re not experienced with puppies, but once you know what to look for, it will be easy to differ when your puppy is whining because they are looking for a second breakfast or if it’s a more serious cause.Why Is My Puppy Whining? 5 Most Common Reasons for Puppy WhiningOne of the most common reasons why a puppy would whine is attention seeking. When faced with a new environment and away from their parents, puppies will usually feel scared and lonely, particularly if you are away. So, when they whine, they ask for comfort and company. Remember that these are social creatures, especially at such an early age, and if they feel neglected, they will whine until someone reacts. That is why it is crucial not to underestimate this need and to provide your puppy with lots of attention, playtime, and dog toys that would keep them engaged and feeling secure. Of course, it is not always about attention. Puppies will often whine to communicate that they are hungry or thirsty. Unlike adult dogs, puppies need multiple meals throughout the day, so make sure that you keep a regular feeding schedule that suits your puppy's developmental needs. In case your puppy is whining when it's close to meal time, it might just be their way of reminding you that it’s time to eat. Sometimes, the reason for a puppy to whine might be super simple, like fear and anxiety. After all, new environments, unfamiliar people, and loud noises are enough to scare anyone, let alone a fragile little puppy. One of the particular sources of anxiety for them is separation. They will quickly build a connection with you, and as soon as you leave, they might feel abandoned. To relieve this anxiety and minimize their whining, you should provide them with a source of comfort, like a favorite plush toy, a blankie, or even a piece of your clothing.

Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

These Are The Longest Living Cat Breeds, Study Shows

On average, cats have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and most breeds fit well within these limits. However, it seems that some kitties are built a bit differently – a new study in feline life expectancies has revealed which cat breeds are more likely to live longer than you’d expect. The study analyzed thousands of pet cats across the UK and revealed that some cats, like the Burmese or the Birmans, will live more than twice as long as the shortest-lived cat breeds.“In terms of life expectancy, there has been very little research done on cats,”  said Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. “They’re kind of invisible to science, especially compared to dogs.”O’Neill and his team analyzed data on 7936 cats that died between 2019 and 2021. This was some tremendous work that required plenty of patience. The data has been taken mostly from vets across the UK. And although it sounds grim, this careful data research has helped the team to learn a lot more about cat longevity. The results were interesting, to say the least. It was concluded that, on average, the studied cats had a life expectancy of just over 11.7 years. What is more, female kitties outlived their male counterparts – they had an expected lifespan of 12.5 years, compared to 11.2 years for males. However, the most interesting part of the study revealed that crossbreed cats tend to live longer than purebreds. The former has an average lifespan of 11.9 years, and the latter is at 10.4 years. But which breeds will live the longest? According to the data, the  Birman and  Burmese cats are at the very top of the list, both having an average life expectancy of 14.4 years. At the very bottom are  Bengal cats and  Sphynxes, having life expectancies of 8.5 and 6.7 years respectively. Another key result achieved by this team is known as “life tables”. This helps predict the average remaining lifespan of cats at different ages. It can also be used to help cat owners decide how to treat their ill pets. “If your cat is 11 or 12 years old and is only expected to live another year, then it’s probably not worth doing surgery, for example,” says O’Neill.

Hundreds Wanted to Adopt a Swearing Parrot - Now He Has a Perfect Home

There is no doubt that parrots are masters of mimicking voices and talking. But what they learn from their owners is not always so nice. Pepper, a White-fronted Amazon parrot who now lives in Olean, New York, is a perfect example of that.Recently, Pepper has gone viral on social media, particularly for his foul, R-rated language, and rather… ”colorful” vocabulary. Pepper was known for swearing profusely, much to the amusement of all who met and saw him. However, the parrot recently went up for adoption – and hundreds hurled to provide him with a new home. So now, Pepper is settling in with his new owners.“We checked in with his adopters, Tiffany and Tim, yesterday, and they report Pepper is settling in nicely,” the New York SPCA wrote. “He hasn't cursed at them just yet, but we know it's coming. He loves his veggies and always greets his adopters when they walk in the room.”Interestingly, Pepper’s new owners already own a parrot – an African Grey – who likewise swears a lot, even more than his new friend. “We love that Pepper found his home with adopters who won't be phased by his colorful language, and who know their birds,” the SPCA said. “May Pepper have decades of issuing threats to his new family! Now, go kick some a$$, Pepper!”Trying to find out how exactly Pepper learned all these words, the SPCA learned that his last home was in Buffalo, New York. There he shared a home with a rather naughty dog. The owner often tried to get the doggo to listen by saying things like “Do you want me to kick your a**?” Naturally, Pepper was quick to pick up those words and add them to his growing vocabulary. "We can't wait to read updates on our potty-mouthed friend," the SPCA said in a statement. But the new owners said that Pepper is still staying somewhat polite, and hasn’t cursed at anyone just yet. But there is no doubt it’s coming. Pepper’s new owners created an Instagram page where they could document the everyday moments of their new pet. You can find their adventures under the handle, @twospicyparrots.The SPCA shared that prior to the adoption they received over 300 requests for Pepper, but were very careful about their choice as they wanted the parrot to go to a great home which would be his “forever home”. Now that is a happy ending for this potty-mouthed parrot!

Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers. The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats. And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner. He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies. “Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is. “When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

Study Finds People Have Trouble Understanding Cats

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