The characteristics of the typical Barb follow:

• alert and curious in demeanor
• robust; spirited
• hot blood (that is, it has a red blood corpuscle count of 35% more than the cold-bloods, such as the draft horse; this allows them to tire more slowly and recuperate more quickly)
• tractable, unless abused
• high equine intellect
• size 13-2 to 15 hands; 875 to 950 pounds
• reaches full maturity at 7 to 9 years, with a corresponding increase in longevity (one exceptional mare had and raised her last foal at 29)
• eyes perceptive, set low and wide
• nostrils elastic, crescent-shaped, with roomy nasal cavity allowing for large extension and ample air intake
• ears small to medium
• neck muscular but not coarse or short
• back short, with just 5 lumbar vertebrae rather than 5 and a fused piece or 6; 16 or 17 rather than 18 pairs of ribs
• loins deep and strong, allowing for heavier muscling, which results in weight carrying ability and strength to manuevre and push ahead
• barrel well filled, with long underline
• tail low set, with long croup which is in equal balance between hip, pin bone, and stifle
• legs well-boned with large, strong joints, tendons, and ligaments; feet compact, comparatively rounded, elevated, with thick, dense, walls; need no shoes except in severe conditions
• many colors including duns, blacks, blue corns, chestnuts, bays, palominos, etc.

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