Arab-Barb
The Arab-Barb or Arabian-Berber (Arabic: حصان عربي بربري) is a breed of saddle horses originating from the Maghreb. It is the result of crossing the Arab and Barb breeds and shares a common genetic origin with the latter. The first Arab-Barb studbook was created in 1948. The Arab-Barb is of medium size and has a square build, exhibiting the typical morphology of a saddle horse suited for speed, with a significant chest circumference. It is used primarily for fantasias, as well as for agricultural work and pulling in rural regions of the Maghreb, although this applies mainly to horses with a majority Barb heritage. The Arab-Barb is a common horse breed throughout North Africa, with an estimated population of around 185,000 in 2010. There is also a small population in Europe.
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Weight | 380-550 kg |
What to Know Before Buying an Arab-Barb
Finding a responsible Arab-Barb breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells horses commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Arab-Barb. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Arab-Barbs appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for an Arab-Barb breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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