Spanish Barb basic information

The Spanish Barb stands 14 to 15 hands with the median height being 14.2 to 14.3 hands. This breed has remained within the natural "size to height" ratio which students of equine physiology consider to be optimum. The profile is straight to slightly convex as was that of its ancestors. The ears are short to moderate in length, most often being notched at the tip. The Spanish Barb has an expressive eye, a broad forehead and the head tapers to a small muzzle. The neck is well arched on the top line, broad at the base and blending into a shoulder of good to excellent length and angle. The back is short to medium in length and the loin it strong and powerful. The croup can be rounded or slightly angular with a medium to low tail set. The legs are medium in length with cannons of excellent circumference. The hooves are ample in size and are extremely tough. The mane and tail is full, particularly in the stallions. The Spanish Barb may reflect more Barb heritage with a narrower chest and slightly angular croup, or he may reflect more Iberian heritage with a broader chest and rounder croup. Whether tending more toward the Barb type or the Iberian type, the overall appearance of the Spanish Barb should be one of balance. the Spanish Barb is usually a solid-colored horse of black, sorrel, chestnut or any of a wide variety of shades of roan, grullo, dun or buckskin. No description of the Spanish Barb would be complete without mentioning his great strength of spirit. He not only possesses the physical attributes to accomplish any task but also his very essence brings a vitality to the pursuit of those tasks