The Abaco Barb - The Worlds Most Endangered Horse

The Abaco Barb's ancestors are thought to have come from the wrecked ships of the Spanish explorers in the late fifteenth/early sixteenth century.

Due to their extreme geographical isolation their bloodlines have remained pure. The purity of their blood created a renewed interest in the preservation of the Barbs on Abaco Island, however the recent conservation efforts have been touch and go.

In 2002, the herd was accepted by the Horse of Americas Registry as the Abaco Barbs, horses of Spanish Barb ancestry proven through DNA testing. Their origins had remained unclear until 1998, when it was recognized that the horses probably were Spanish Barbs. In August 2002, based on three separate DNA analyses, photo and video records, the horses were accepted by the Horse of The Americas Registry as the Abaco Barbs, descendents of horses brought over at the time of Columbus's explorations.

The Abaco Barbs nearly became extinct in the early 1970's. Today they are once again fighting for survival. Throughout the world Barbs are recognized as critically endangered and they are quite literally the most endangered equine on the planet. There are only seven Abaco Barb's left in existence...

Three mares...

Acamar, Strawberry roan, 14 years old.

Alnitak, 11 year old, Strawberry roan, daughter of Acamar.

Nunki, Bay, with white socks 14 year old.

Four stallions...

Mimosa, Bay, 16 years old.

Achernar, War Bonnet Pinto, 16 years old.

Hadar, Chestnut, approx 20 years old

Capella, Pinto, abot 16 years old.

A brief history of the Abaco horses...

There used to be approximately two hundred of these magnificent animals. Their numbers went into rapid decline when in the 1960’s a road was built across the length of the Abaco Barb's island home. With that road came more humans. Some horses were captured other's killed, the numbers plummeted further after a spate of foals deaths at the hand of dogs. But what really diminished the breed was the mass murder of these beautiful creatures after a child died whilst trying to ride one of the wild horses.

The world has lost one of its most rare and endangered horses.

The Abaco Wild Horse Mare Bellatrix II died during the night of 15th August 2009, she was 11 1/2 years old.

Her sad death brings the number of the world’s most rare and endangered breed of horse down to 7.

She was the friendliest, happiest horse. She was never domesticated, she never knew about ropes, bridles or any restraints. Like the other horses in the herd, she was a free and independent spirit and she genuinely enjoyed people, kids and cameras. She was everybody’s favorite with her big blue eyes and bi colored mane and tail. Many people have written to say they miss her and others who have never met her say they felt she was their friend as they followed her story.

Below is a video tribute to Bella...