Baca Barb Horse History
In the late 1800s, Doreteo “Joty” Baca’s grandparents journeyed north in a wagon from Mexico. They established the Baca Farm on land that was colonized, as a US Territory, by Spain. In 1912, this land became the state of New Mexico. Unbeknownst to the early Baca family, the horses they gathered were descendants of those who accompanied early Spanish explorers from Mexico, traveling along the Rio Grande River. The Baca family became one of the longest, influential preservationist of the original Spanish horse that arrived with Cortez and his explorers.
Upon returning from the Korean War, Joty witnessed the slaughter of whole herds of Spanish Horses – America’s first horse. With his war torn heart, Joty experienced firsthand the therapeutic capability of these horses on his family’s farm. As they aided him in his healing, he began to assemble his first herd. Joty recognized the importance of keeping these blood lines pure and bred for their temperament, conformation, smaller stature and endurance. He was very particular about choosing horses from the mountains near Tijeres, New Mexico, from neighboring ranches, and from Native American tribes in the region. He chose closed herds to ensure that the bloodline of the original Spanish horse was preserved. In 2005 the State of New Mexico publicly recognized Joty and his wife, Virginia, for their persistence, dedication and great sacrifice for the preservation and recognition of the Colonial Spanish Horse.
In 2013, at the end of Joty’s life, the last of his herd was dispersed from Baca Chica Farm. During his lifetime Joty had produced over 200 horses of exceptional quality and character. He knew these were the horses that his own ancestors from Spain had ridden to Inscription Rock at El Morro National Monument. He established a name for these horses from Baca Chica Farm and the Baca strain has been officially recognized by the Livestock Breed Conservancy. Renowned Spanish Horse authority from Virginia Tech, Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, The Horse of the America’s Registry and the Preservation Programs have all celebrated Joty Baca and his work.
In 2013, at the end of Joty’s life, the last of his herd was dispersed from Baca Chica Farm. During his lifetime Joty had produced over 200 horses of exceptional quality and character. He knew these were the horses that his own ancestors from Spain had ridden to Inscription Rock at El Morro National Monument. He established a name for these horses from Baca Chica Farm and the Baca strain has been officially recognized by the Livestock Breed Conservancy. Renowned Spanish Horse authority from Virginia Tech, Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, The Horse of the America’s Registry and the Preservation Programs have all celebrated Joty Baca and his work.
Baca Barb Horse Conformation
Created for The Center for America's First Horse, Inc. by Wingspan Arts, Intl. Copyright 2010. Used by permission.
The Baca horse is a unique, elegant looking horse with light, airy movement, displaying a great deal of suspension in their gaits. They have average knee action and it is the notable freedom of their shoulder and well angled hip that give them the natural ability to collect and extend their gaits with ease. They tend to have longer legs than other strains, but
with ample bone size. They are not a thick, muscular horse, but one with smooth muscles with lightness to them. Their faces show strong Iberian profiles, but are not large boned heads, most often they have almond shaped eyes. Their foreheads tend to be wider, with smaller ears.
with ample bone size. They are not a thick, muscular horse, but one with smooth muscles with lightness to them. Their faces show strong Iberian profiles, but are not large boned heads, most often they have almond shaped eyes. Their foreheads tend to be wider, with smaller ears.
The standard height is 13.2-14.3 hands with weight between 650-850 lbs. There have been a few individual horses that have exceeded 14.3 hands. Since the inception of the current breeding program, the offspring are showing the potential for developing into a slightly larger horse of 14.3-15 hands, yet still keeping the desired type. Reaching their genetic potential may be due to proper nutrition and management practices of the new generation of mares and foals.
The range of colors most seen in the Baca horses are chestnut, red roan, grey, black and bay. Varnish roan and appaloosa are present, but many of those lines have been lost over the years. Rabicano (a sprinkling of white hairs varying from slight to more extensive), does occasionally present itself within the strain. It has not been recorded that are any dun or pinto colored horses of 100% Baca strain horses.
Baca Barb Horse Performance
Aside from the conformation characteristics that are unique to the Baca horses they have a kind and gentle disposition
by nature that is unparalleled. Always curious, friendly and interested, the Baca horses are easily trained once you have
gained their trust. They thrive on human interaction and bond quickly to their person. Their willingness to learn and
engage with people make them exceptional partners in the field of equine assisted learning. They have proven
themselves in children’s programs at the three Centers that are preserving this line. The Baca horses excel in many
disciples including ranch work, endurance, dressage, jumping, working equitation and barrel racing. Their versatility and
willingness make them an exceptional riding horse for many disciplines.
by nature that is unparalleled. Always curious, friendly and interested, the Baca horses are easily trained once you have
gained their trust. They thrive on human interaction and bond quickly to their person. Their willingness to learn and
engage with people make them exceptional partners in the field of equine assisted learning. They have proven
themselves in children’s programs at the three Centers that are preserving this line. The Baca horses excel in many
disciples including ranch work, endurance, dressage, jumping, working equitation and barrel racing. Their versatility and
willingness make them an exceptional riding horse for many disciplines.
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Registries and Affiliations
Blue Oaks Center's Baca Barb horses are registered with:
Horse of the Americas, HorseOfTheAmericas.com
The Spanish Horse Association, SpanishBarb.com
Equus Survival Trust, equus-survival-trust.org
Horse of the Americas, HorseOfTheAmericas.com
The Spanish Horse Association, SpanishBarb.com
Equus Survival Trust, equus-survival-trust.org