SCRAF Barb project

How we got involved in Preserving a Living Legacy

Sometimes the most important journeys are the ones you never planned.

In 2022, SCRAF was asked to rescue a single terrified wild stallion. What began as a mission to save one horse quickly became something much greater.

When our team arrived, we discovered that the stallion was the sire of many horses still living within the band. We also learned that the remaining horses were in immediate danger, with kill buyers' trailers already arriving to collect them.

Suddenly, it wasn't just rescuing one, walking away from the rest of them was not an option!

With the encouragement and support of others dedicated to protecting these remarkable horses, SCRAF quickly expanded what had been an unplanned rescue into a full-scale preservation effort. Arrangements were made to safely transport the entire band to Sandia Creek Ranch, where they would have the opportunity to begin a new chapter. What started as the rescue of one horse became the rescue of a family.

Today, that rescue has grown into the SCRAF Barb Preservation Project, an ongoing commitment to protecting one of the world's oldest and most influential horse breeds.

Why Spanish Barbs Matter

The Spanish Barb is considered one of the foundation breeds of the Americas, with bloodlines dating back centuries. Their intelligence, athleticism, endurance, and versatility have influenced countless modern horse breeds, yet today they remain critically rare.

Preserving these horses means preserving living history.

At SCRAF, our goal extends beyond simply providing sanctuary. We are committed to protecting valuable heritage bloodlines, educating the public about the breed's significance, and ensuring these remarkable horses have the opportunity to thrive for generations to come.

Watch Redemption's Rescue Video

Saving One of North America's Rarest Living Treasures

Every time a pure Spanish Barb is lost, a piece of history disappears forever.

With fewer than 3,000 pure Spanish Barbs remaining worldwide, this remarkable breed is considered one of the rarest and most historically significant horse breeds in North America. Long before many of today's modern horse breeds existed, the Spanish Barb helped shape history through exploration, settlement, ranching, and the development of the American West.

Today, SCRAF is committed to helping preserve these extraordinary horses for future generations.

Why the Spanish Barb?

The Spanish Barb is far more than a beautiful horse.

They are direct descendants of the horses brought to the Americas during the Age of Exploration. Their intelligence, endurance, sure-footedness, courage, and remarkable adaptability allowed them to survive ocean voyages, thrive in harsh environments, and become trusted partners to explorers, Native Americans, ranchers, and horsemen for centuries.

Many modern horse breeds owe part of their foundation to the Spanish Barb.

Yet despite their enormous contribution to equine history, the pure Spanish Barb nearly disappeared through crossbreeding, war, and changing demands.

Today, preserving these bloodlines is more important than ever.

More Than Preservation

SCRAF's mission goes beyond simply maintaining pedigrees.

We believe these horses should continue doing what they have always done - teaching people, building partnerships, and demonstrating the intelligence and versatility that made them legendary.

Our Spanish Barb Preservation Project focuses on:

• Preserving rare historic bloodlines

• Providing lifelong sanctuary when needed

• Gentle handling and thoughtful training

• Public education and breed awareness

• Demonstrating the remarkable versatility of the Spanish Barb

• Inspiring future generations to value this living piece of American history

Meet Our Spanish Barbs

Every horse in our program has a unique story.

Some were born into carefully managed preservation programs.

Others found their way to SCRAF through unexpected circumstances.

Regardless of how they arrived, each one represents an irreplaceable chapter in the history of the horse.

From first halter lessons to educational demonstrations, every milestone helps ensure these remarkable horses continue inspiring future generations.

We hope you'll join us as we watch their progress, celebrate their achievements, and share the incredible personalities that make the Spanish Barb unlike any other breed.

Read their Stories & Support their Journey