THE FULL STORY: For 500 years, a mysterious herd of beautiful wild horses has roamed the pine forests and sandy beaches of Abaco in the Bahamas. Only in 2002, after a decade of research, were they finally identified and designated by the Horse of the America’s Registry as the Abaco Barb — a new strain of the endangered Spanish Barb and perhaps the purest strain in existence anywhere. Descended from the horses of Africa’s Barbary Coast, the sturdy Spanish Barb accompanied the conquistadors to the New World in the days of Columbus. It’s believed that shipwrecks on nearby reefs brought the Barb to the shores of Abaco where, undisturbed for centuries, a herd flourished and grew as large as 200 strong. Sadly, this equine paradise was not to last. A drastic change in habitat caused by logging and farming took a severe toll on the herd to the point where just 12 horses remained by mid-2004. Milanne Rehor, head of Arkwild, Inc. and Project Director for WHOA (Wild Horses of Abaco Preservation Society), has worked tirelessly since 1992 to save the herd and to publicize its plight. Hearing the call, the Salmon Model Horse 4-H Club in Idaho began campaigning Breyer Animal Creations for an Abaco Barb model to help raise awareness. Breyer Animal Creations is pleased to join their worthy efforts with the introduction of Capella, and will contribute a portion of all Capella sales to the Fund. Help is still critically needed to ensure that the magnificent Abaco Barb survives. For information about Arkwild and WHOA visit www.arkwild.org. Part of the enduring mystique of Breyer® Animal Creations® is its allegiance to the equine world and financial support of organizations that champion horses and youth. From our relationship with the Misty of Chincoteague Foundation to the Morris Animal Foundation and the U.S. Equestrian Team, Breyer® has long supported the equestrian world. In 2005, Breyer® will take another significant step in this direction by creating and funding the Breyer® Foundation to formalize areas of giving. One project will be the development of the Breyer Benefit Model Program, dedicated to creating one model each year from which a portion of the proceeds will benefit a specific non-profit organization that benefits the horse. Capella, the Abaco Barb (Item No. 1280), will be our first Breyer Benefit Model.
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