Colonial Spanish Horse (AKA Spanish Barb)
Strains recognized as Colonial Spanish include Banker , Carolina Marsh Tacky, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Florida Cracker Horse, Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horse, Santa-Cruz Island Horse, Kiger Mustang, Pryor Mountain Mustang, Sulphur Mustang, Cerbat Mustang and Abaco Barb.
The Colonial Spanish Horse (which the Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horse and Cerbat strains belong) was named Arizona's Heritage Horse on March 3, 2011. Examples of these horses have been accepted in several mustang registries including Southwest Spanish Mustang Association (SSMA), Spanish Mustang Registry - SMR, Spanish Barb Horse Association - SBHA, and Horse of the Americas - HOA. The SBHA created a separate division within its registry, specifically for the Wilbur-Cruce, in order to track bloodstock more closely. Both of these subgroups are considered endangered.
The Wilbur-Cruce, a Rancher strain from Arivaca, Arizona is considered the last living remnant of the Spanish Mission type horse. The three main types of Iberian horses - the Carthusian/Villano warhorse, the Jinete/Jennet elegant riding horse, and the Gallego/Barb agile bullfighting and cattle working type are represented in the Wilbur-Cruce. The horses were originally bred and used by Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino's missions in Pimeria Alta (Arizona and Sonora, Mexico). In 1885, Dr. Reuben Wilbur outfitted his ranch with 26 horses brought up from Mission Dolores, Padre Kino's main breeding center. The Wilbur-Cruce ranch continued to use and breed the horses until the late 1980's when Eva Antonia Wilbur-Cruce donated the ranch to the Nature Conservancy. The property was then transferred to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Eva's beloved horses were not welcomed on the refuge as she had hoped. Before removal they were blood typed and divided into 5 breeding groups. I was fortunate to see one of these groups in 1990 when it was brought to the Arizona Pioneer Living History Museum, north of Phoenix. The horses were eventually relocated to New Mexico. Only recently has a new group of Wilbur-Cruce been brought back to their native Arizona. The "Stronghold Herd" is a natural breeding group that freely ranges on 1,000 acres of private ranchland in Cochise County. Horses are bay, black, chestnut, roan, pinto, and gray. Some individuals may be laterally gaited.
The Cerbat, a feral strain found in the Cerbat Mountains near Kingman, Arizona is believed to be descended from the horses used by Spanish Conquistadores during the early explorations of the Southwest. The horses could have banded together due to loss, escape, theft by Apaches or other means. Regardless how they came to be, blood typing has confirmed the markers of Spanish blood despite heavy inbreeding. Today, they are considered the purist of the feral Spanish horse groups. Cerbats are long remembered among the local Native peoples and have a known history of purity on their present range since the 1860's. Mustanger, Ira Wakefield captured the original group of Cerbats. The descendants of those horses have made a significant impact on today's Colonial Spanish Horse. They have also been used to help supplement the feral population which today numbers about 50-60 individuals. Cerbat horses are a somewhat heavier old Spanish type and are roan, bay, chestnut and rarely black, gray or dun (according to BLM). A number of these horses exhibit the lateral gait, similar to the "paso" though the action may not be as extreme.
I decided to focus on these families to commemorate Arizona's Centennial February 14, 2012. It's hard to imagine our history without their contributions.
Stallions
Chiricauha WC (Geronimo-Monroe <r> x Leta <r>) 1995 sorrel overo Wilbur-Cruce, bald, stockings, socks, 14.3 h.h. Sire and Dam are rangebred foundation WC. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Superior Champion. OF Breyer 750401- Walmart 2001 SR. Studbook opens 1998-2015.
Eusebio WC (Hidalgo <r> x Pilar Wilbur<r>) 2000 dark bay tobiano Wilbur-Cruce, 14.3 h.h. Sabino foals possible. Unshown. Lines: Santiago WC. CM OF Fighting Stallion unknown artist. Studbook opens 2004.
Guevavi Cruce (Tumacacori <r> x Tubac <r>) 2005 blue corn roan Wilbur-Cruce, sock,14.2 h.h. Sire and dam are range bred foundation horses. Currently competing in halter and endurance racing. OF Breyer 1279. Studbook opens 2009.
Homol’ovi (Taos <r> x Sangrita <r>) 1999 bay roan Cerbat , blaze, socks,14.2 h.h. Name is Hopi for "place of the little hills". Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: El Cordobes, Iras Possum, Sirbee. OF Breyer 750101 - Walmart 2001 SR. Studbook opens 2003.
Inyaga (Hokan x Dama Roja <r>) 2000 black Cerbat, blaze, socks,14 h.h. Sire is BSO rangebred. Name means "black" in the Pai languages. Currently competing in halter. Lines: Iras Possum, Midnight Special. OF Breyer 190. Studbook opens 2004.
Rimrock WC (Chimayo de Mogollon <r> x Josefina <r>) 2008 gray (born black) Wilbur-Cruce, no markings, 14.2 h.h. Sire was gelded after 2010. Currently competing in halter and endurance racing. Lines: Thom Cruce, Santiago WC, Geronimo-Monroe. OF Breyer SM Rearing Andalusian 410443 - JCP 2010 SR. Studbook opens 2011.
Sulphurs Doubloon (Sulphurs Khanketsuba <r> x Sulphurs Tikaani <r>) 2012 palomino Sulphur, stripe, socks, 14.3 h.h. Dam was the first captive full Sulphur palomino in Sulphur Horse Association records. Lines: Takita Sulphur, Blue Stallion. Studbook opens 2015.
Mares
Aravaipa WC (Tequila WC <r> x Fancy Lady <r>) 2005 chestnut Wilbur-Cruce, socks, 14.1 h.h.. Unshown. Lines: Arivaca. OF Breyer 3065S. Open 11, 12, 13,
15, 16.
Azulita (Inyaga x Tajique <r> ) 2004 black roan Cerbat, no markings, 15h.h Sire is HCR owned. Unshown. Lines: Iras Possum, Sirbee. OF Breyer 1225. Open 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Ha'emede (Chemehuevi <r> x Mariposa <r>) 2002 chestnut roan Cerbat, no markings. 14.2 h.h. Her name is the Hualapai word for "Cerbat Mountains". Unshown. Lines: Mangas Coloradas, Phoenix , Iras Possum. OF Breyer 119. Open 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 15, 16.
Mestenes Paiute (Mestenes Ferdinand <r> x BR Lakotas Dream Song <r>) 2003 claybank Sulphur, no markings, 14.1 h.h Sire is domestic bred, dam is rangebred. Currently Competing in halter. Lines: Sulphers Chance, The Blue Stallion. OF Breyer 1998 Sears SR SM Seabiscuit. Open 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Sulphurs Afterglow (Sulphurs Dragon Breath <r> x La Tierra Roja <r>) 2006 red dun Sulphur, star, 14.2 h.h. Sire and dam are domestic bred. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: Sulphurs Cortez, Cisco, Sampson. OF Breyer Mini-Whinnies Saddle Club "Starlight". Open 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
The Colonial Spanish Horse (which the Wilbur-Cruce Mission Horse and Cerbat strains belong) was named Arizona's Heritage Horse on March 3, 2011. Examples of these horses have been accepted in several mustang registries including Southwest Spanish Mustang Association (SSMA), Spanish Mustang Registry - SMR, Spanish Barb Horse Association - SBHA, and Horse of the Americas - HOA. The SBHA created a separate division within its registry, specifically for the Wilbur-Cruce, in order to track bloodstock more closely. Both of these subgroups are considered endangered.
The Wilbur-Cruce, a Rancher strain from Arivaca, Arizona is considered the last living remnant of the Spanish Mission type horse. The three main types of Iberian horses - the Carthusian/Villano warhorse, the Jinete/Jennet elegant riding horse, and the Gallego/Barb agile bullfighting and cattle working type are represented in the Wilbur-Cruce. The horses were originally bred and used by Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino's missions in Pimeria Alta (Arizona and Sonora, Mexico). In 1885, Dr. Reuben Wilbur outfitted his ranch with 26 horses brought up from Mission Dolores, Padre Kino's main breeding center. The Wilbur-Cruce ranch continued to use and breed the horses until the late 1980's when Eva Antonia Wilbur-Cruce donated the ranch to the Nature Conservancy. The property was then transferred to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Eva's beloved horses were not welcomed on the refuge as she had hoped. Before removal they were blood typed and divided into 5 breeding groups. I was fortunate to see one of these groups in 1990 when it was brought to the Arizona Pioneer Living History Museum, north of Phoenix. The horses were eventually relocated to New Mexico. Only recently has a new group of Wilbur-Cruce been brought back to their native Arizona. The "Stronghold Herd" is a natural breeding group that freely ranges on 1,000 acres of private ranchland in Cochise County. Horses are bay, black, chestnut, roan, pinto, and gray. Some individuals may be laterally gaited.
The Cerbat, a feral strain found in the Cerbat Mountains near Kingman, Arizona is believed to be descended from the horses used by Spanish Conquistadores during the early explorations of the Southwest. The horses could have banded together due to loss, escape, theft by Apaches or other means. Regardless how they came to be, blood typing has confirmed the markers of Spanish blood despite heavy inbreeding. Today, they are considered the purist of the feral Spanish horse groups. Cerbats are long remembered among the local Native peoples and have a known history of purity on their present range since the 1860's. Mustanger, Ira Wakefield captured the original group of Cerbats. The descendants of those horses have made a significant impact on today's Colonial Spanish Horse. They have also been used to help supplement the feral population which today numbers about 50-60 individuals. Cerbat horses are a somewhat heavier old Spanish type and are roan, bay, chestnut and rarely black, gray or dun (according to BLM). A number of these horses exhibit the lateral gait, similar to the "paso" though the action may not be as extreme.
I decided to focus on these families to commemorate Arizona's Centennial February 14, 2012. It's hard to imagine our history without their contributions.
Stallions
Chiricauha WC (Geronimo-Monroe <r> x Leta <r>) 1995 sorrel overo Wilbur-Cruce, bald, stockings, socks, 14.3 h.h. Sire and Dam are rangebred foundation WC. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Superior Champion. OF Breyer 750401- Walmart 2001 SR. Studbook opens 1998-2015.
Eusebio WC (Hidalgo <r> x Pilar Wilbur<r>) 2000 dark bay tobiano Wilbur-Cruce, 14.3 h.h. Sabino foals possible. Unshown. Lines: Santiago WC. CM OF Fighting Stallion unknown artist. Studbook opens 2004.
Guevavi Cruce (Tumacacori <r> x Tubac <r>) 2005 blue corn roan Wilbur-Cruce, sock,14.2 h.h. Sire and dam are range bred foundation horses. Currently competing in halter and endurance racing. OF Breyer 1279. Studbook opens 2009.
Homol’ovi (Taos <r> x Sangrita <r>) 1999 bay roan Cerbat , blaze, socks,14.2 h.h. Name is Hopi for "place of the little hills". Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: El Cordobes, Iras Possum, Sirbee. OF Breyer 750101 - Walmart 2001 SR. Studbook opens 2003.
Inyaga (Hokan x Dama Roja <r>) 2000 black Cerbat, blaze, socks,14 h.h. Sire is BSO rangebred. Name means "black" in the Pai languages. Currently competing in halter. Lines: Iras Possum, Midnight Special. OF Breyer 190. Studbook opens 2004.
Rimrock WC (Chimayo de Mogollon <r> x Josefina <r>) 2008 gray (born black) Wilbur-Cruce, no markings, 14.2 h.h. Sire was gelded after 2010. Currently competing in halter and endurance racing. Lines: Thom Cruce, Santiago WC, Geronimo-Monroe. OF Breyer SM Rearing Andalusian 410443 - JCP 2010 SR. Studbook opens 2011.
Sulphurs Doubloon (Sulphurs Khanketsuba <r> x Sulphurs Tikaani <r>) 2012 palomino Sulphur, stripe, socks, 14.3 h.h. Dam was the first captive full Sulphur palomino in Sulphur Horse Association records. Lines: Takita Sulphur, Blue Stallion. Studbook opens 2015.
Mares
Aravaipa WC (Tequila WC <r> x Fancy Lady <r>) 2005 chestnut Wilbur-Cruce, socks, 14.1 h.h.. Unshown. Lines: Arivaca. OF Breyer 3065S. Open 11, 12, 13,
15, 16.
Azulita (Inyaga x Tajique <r> ) 2004 black roan Cerbat, no markings, 15h.h Sire is HCR owned. Unshown. Lines: Iras Possum, Sirbee. OF Breyer 1225. Open 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Ha'emede (Chemehuevi <r> x Mariposa <r>) 2002 chestnut roan Cerbat, no markings. 14.2 h.h. Her name is the Hualapai word for "Cerbat Mountains". Unshown. Lines: Mangas Coloradas, Phoenix , Iras Possum. OF Breyer 119. Open 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 15, 16.
Mestenes Paiute (Mestenes Ferdinand <r> x BR Lakotas Dream Song <r>) 2003 claybank Sulphur, no markings, 14.1 h.h Sire is domestic bred, dam is rangebred. Currently Competing in halter. Lines: Sulphers Chance, The Blue Stallion. OF Breyer 1998 Sears SR SM Seabiscuit. Open 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Sulphurs Afterglow (Sulphurs Dragon Breath <r> x La Tierra Roja <r>) 2006 red dun Sulphur, star, 14.2 h.h. Sire and dam are domestic bred. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: Sulphurs Cortez, Cisco, Sampson. OF Breyer Mini-Whinnies Saddle Club "Starlight". Open 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
Mustang (BLM/Modelbred/mixed)
Stallions
Code Talker (Skinwalker x Battle Wolf) 1995 dunskin, socks, 15hh. Sire is an HCR owned champion. Bred by Hilltop Acres/Jennifer Barnes. Photo and live show placed. Model lines. OF china MIJ unknown. Studbook opens 1998-2015.
Razorback (rangebred) 1993 bay blanket BLM, star, snip, 14.3 h. h. Captured from the Granite Mountain range in Nevada as a yearling. This group is known to produce horses with the Lp gene. Age based off his freeze brand. Retired halter horse, placings in breed, color and mold. IMEHA Champion - 626 pts, Grand Champion and 3x Res Grand Champion - OF Breyer Classic or Little Bits Mold Show - Roland Cheney Molds . OF Breyer 750301 Studbook opens 1997-2015.
Skinwalker (Justa Wild Thing x Buttermilk) 1992 buckskin (homozygous for black and agouti), blaze, 15.2 h.h. Retired multi-champ halter, race and endurance horse and sire of two champions. The Navajo Skinwalker is a variety of shape shifter, a person who can change into animal form, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Bred by Wishing Well Farm/Karen Taylor and Forest Grove Farm/Carrie Baugess. Sire is model bred, dam is rangebred. Skinwalker can sire only black based foals, depending on dam's color (buckskin, bay, perlino, dunskin.) OF Breyer 87. Studbook opened 1995- 2012.
Vitorio (Valadan x Velvet) 2006 grullo sabino overo, sock, stockings, stripe. 15 h.h. Bred by Carousel Creek Stables/Tracy McDavid. Mostly model lines and carries 25% Quarter Horse through dam. Unshown. Lines: Chief Yellow Fox, Pat Three. OF Breyer 720222 Target 2009 SR. Studbook opens 2010 .
Mares
Cohonina (Skinwalker x Cienega <r>)1995 50% Cerbat, buckskin, black points, no markings. 14.2 h.h. Sire is HCR owned model bred multi-champ. Dam is Cerbat. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: Phoenix OF Breyer 648. Open 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
Palomita (Sommer Sands x Mistic Magic)1988 palomino, star, stripe, stockings. 15.3 h.h. Bred by North Shores Stables/Beverly Davis. Unshown. Model bloodlines. OF china MIJ unknown. Open 92, 93, 94, 96,97, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08.
Sahuarita (Poco de Domingo <r> x Palomita) 1995 palomino, blaze, stocking, 15 h.h. Sire is a registered SMR, dam is HCR owned. Competing in halter. Lines: San Domingo, Doby. OF Breyer 750401 "Rojo"- Walmart 2001 SR. Open 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 15.
Code Talker (Skinwalker x Battle Wolf) 1995 dunskin, socks, 15hh. Sire is an HCR owned champion. Bred by Hilltop Acres/Jennifer Barnes. Photo and live show placed. Model lines. OF china MIJ unknown. Studbook opens 1998-2015.
Razorback (rangebred) 1993 bay blanket BLM, star, snip, 14.3 h. h. Captured from the Granite Mountain range in Nevada as a yearling. This group is known to produce horses with the Lp gene. Age based off his freeze brand. Retired halter horse, placings in breed, color and mold. IMEHA Champion - 626 pts, Grand Champion and 3x Res Grand Champion - OF Breyer Classic or Little Bits Mold Show - Roland Cheney Molds . OF Breyer 750301 Studbook opens 1997-2015.
Skinwalker (Justa Wild Thing x Buttermilk) 1992 buckskin (homozygous for black and agouti), blaze, 15.2 h.h. Retired multi-champ halter, race and endurance horse and sire of two champions. The Navajo Skinwalker is a variety of shape shifter, a person who can change into animal form, sometimes for good, sometimes for bad. Bred by Wishing Well Farm/Karen Taylor and Forest Grove Farm/Carrie Baugess. Sire is model bred, dam is rangebred. Skinwalker can sire only black based foals, depending on dam's color (buckskin, bay, perlino, dunskin.) OF Breyer 87. Studbook opened 1995- 2012.
Vitorio (Valadan x Velvet) 2006 grullo sabino overo, sock, stockings, stripe. 15 h.h. Bred by Carousel Creek Stables/Tracy McDavid. Mostly model lines and carries 25% Quarter Horse through dam. Unshown. Lines: Chief Yellow Fox, Pat Three. OF Breyer 720222 Target 2009 SR. Studbook opens 2010 .
Mares
Cohonina (Skinwalker x Cienega <r>)1995 50% Cerbat, buckskin, black points, no markings. 14.2 h.h. Sire is HCR owned model bred multi-champ. Dam is Cerbat. Currently competing in halter. IMEHA Point Champion. Lines: Phoenix OF Breyer 648. Open 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.
Palomita (Sommer Sands x Mistic Magic)1988 palomino, star, stripe, stockings. 15.3 h.h. Bred by North Shores Stables/Beverly Davis. Unshown. Model bloodlines. OF china MIJ unknown. Open 92, 93, 94, 96,97, 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08.
Sahuarita (Poco de Domingo <r> x Palomita) 1995 palomino, blaze, stocking, 15 h.h. Sire is a registered SMR, dam is HCR owned. Competing in halter. Lines: San Domingo, Doby. OF Breyer 750401 "Rojo"- Walmart 2001 SR. Open 99, 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 15.