Campaign to save the Mission Horse from extinction in 2026.

  • We are a team of passionate horsemen, conservationists, and veterinarians committed to preserving and protecting the remaining Wilbur Cruce genetics.

  • We aim to preserve the Wilbur Cruce horses through collaborative care. Our 2026 breeding plan is straightforward: locate and secure the remaining viable mares, work together with owners, reproduction veterinarians, and SBHA volunteers, and determine the best breeding methods to produce foals.

  • We collaborate with top experts in our field—scientists, conservationists, horsemen, and veterinarians—who focus on equine genetics and breeding.

In 2026, only 21 viable mares and three registered viable stallions remain.(Lets get the numbers correct on the stallions)

Complicating conservation efforts, most of the remaining broodmares are in their teens and have never foaled, making them more difficult and costly to breed. Most of these genetics trace back to the original herd removed from the Wilbur Cruce ranch in the 1990s. For most of them, this is the last year that we have a chance to get a foal for future generations.

The Spanish Barb Horse Association is launching an urgent preservation campaign to secure the breed’s remaining genetics.

This year’s objective is clear: maximize successful breedings of older, mostly maiden mares with the few remaining stallions to carry critical bloodlines into the next generation.

Why This Matters

  • The Spanish Barb’s genetic diversity is limited and vulnerable. Each successful foal preserves unique alleles and links to historical lineages that would be lost if these mares are not bred now.

  • Older maiden mares represent irreplaceable reservoirs of genetics; delaying risks losing those lines through age-related infertility or health decline.

  • Coordinated, expert-led breeding increases the likelihood of conception, healthy pregnancies and viable foals.

Call to Action

This targeted, expert-driven campaign gives the Spanish Barb Horse Association the best chance to retain essential bloodlines and safeguard the breed’s future.

Our first priority is to:

  • Mobilize the breeding specialists, veterinarians, and experienced horse people immediately to begin evaluations and prioritization.

  • Allocate resources to the highest-priority mares now to preserve the Spanish Barb’s remaining genetic legacy before it’s too late.

Campaign Approach

1. Assemble an expert team.

  • Convene breeding specialists, reproductive veterinarians, geneticists (where available), experienced handlers and mare caretakers.

  • Establish communication protocols, record-keeping standards and timelines.

    2. Evaluate mare viability and genetic value

  • Perform full reproductive exams (ultrasound, uterine culture/biopsy as indicated, hormone profiling).

  • Assess overall health and fitness for pregnancy (body condition, dental, parasite control, vaccination status).

  • Review pedigrees and any available genetic testing to identify mares carrying rare or high-value alleles or unique ancestral links.

    3. Prioritize mares.

  • Rank mares by urgency (age, reproductive history, health risks) and genetic importance.

  • Create a short list of highest-priority mares to receive immediate intervention and breeding resources.

    4. Match mares to stallions.

  • For each prioritized mare, evaluate compatibility with available stallions considering:

    • Genetic complementarity (to maximize diversity and avoid inbreeding).

    • Conformation, temperament and performance traits desirable for the breed’s future.

    • Reproductive history and semen quality of each stallion.

  • Produce recommended pairings with rationale and contingency options.

    5. Select breeding method per pairing.

  • Determine the optimal method for each mare: natural cover, monitored live cover, fresh-cooled semen, or embryo transfer with timing controlled by ovulation induction and timed insemination.

  • For older or marginal mares, prioritize methods that offer the highest conception rates (e.g., synchronized ovulation plus fresh-cooled or embryo transfer and/or embryo freezing with careful monitoring).

  • Prepare protocols for assisted reproductive techniques when indicated (e.g., uterine lavage, oxytocin protocols, or embryo transfer if mare safety is a concern).

    6. Execute breedings in collaboration with specialists

  • Coordinate breeding windows, transport logistics (if needed), and on-site veterinary support.

  • Maintain strict records of breeding dates, semen sources/quality, medications, and monitoring results.

  • Provide post-breeding care: pregnancy checks, nutrition plans, and management for older broodmares.

Measures of Success and Risk Management

  • Track conception rates, early embryonic loss, and live foal rates by mare cohort and breeding method.

  • Reassess and adapt protocols based on outcomes, aiming to increase successful pregnancies across the campaign.

  • Implement health and biosecurity measures to protect mares and stallions during concentrated breeding activities.

  • Establish backup plans for high-priority mares (repeat cycles, alternative stallion choices, or embryo transfer) should initial attempts fail.

    Resource needs

    • Funding for veterinary services, insemination procedures, transportation, and specialized care for older mares.

    • Access to on-farm or regional facilities capable of timed breeding and reproductive monitoring.

    • Volunteer and farm support for mare handling, record-keeping, and foaling care.

    We understand that most people lack the knowledge or facilities to breed these horses, but still want to help. You can help by financially supporting one of the breeding mares in our campaign through her breeding process.

Your Role as a Donor.

We depend on donors to become vital members of the team supporting a specific mare, helping with a crucial project that funds individual mares and their breeding. If you'd like to help, you can sponsor a particular mare and her breeding program. Donors assist our team—mare owners, reproduction specialists, and veterinarians—by covering the costs needed to ensure the birth of healthy foals.

You are essential to the success of the Wilbur Cruce horse.

How your gift is used

  • Reproductive veterinary services (diagnostics, ultrasounds, hormone therapy)

  • Mare care during breeding (boarding, nutrition, medications)

  • Stallion fees or semen handling/shipping

  • On-site support from reproduction specialists and technicians

  • Emergency reproductive care if complications arise

Why this matters

Breeding mares responsibly requires expertise, resources, and timely intervention. There are many costs associated with getting a foal on the ground from conception to foaling. Your contribution increases the chance of successful pregnancies, improves foal and mare welfare, and supports long-term population and genetic goals.

How to Sponsor

Please contact the Save Our Stallions Program to designate a mare and discuss funding levels and intended uses. Donations may be allocated to a specific mare’s breeding costs or to a general fund that supports multiple breeding efforts.

Thank you for considering a gift that directly supports mare health, responsible breeding, and the future of these horses.

You’ll join our team to get these mares bred.

Your financial support helps cover breeding costs, and in return you become an active participant in the entire process.

What you’ll get:

  • Regular updates on progress: who’s involved, what’s being done, and how the breeding is going.

  • Ongoing updates after the mare is confirmed pregnant.

  • Direct connection when the foal arrives: timely reports and photos.

  • An invitation to visit the farm to meet the mare and foal in person.

  • A role in naming the foal.

This is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give these horses. Your contribution lets you become part of a group effort to preserve and pass these genetics to future generations.