Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition

Chaabi, Aimene Zakaria; Boukhechem, Said; Bougherara, Hithem; Afoutni, Larbi; Djeghar, Alaa-Eddine; Boukerrou, Maya; Tekkouk Zemmouchi, Faïza; Dib, Amira Leila

doi:10.3390/blsf2025049007

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition^†

by

Aimene Zakaria Chaabi

^*,

Said Boukhechem

,

Hithem Bougherara

,

Larbi Afoutni

,

Alaa-Eddine Djeghar

,

Maya Boukerrou

,

Faïza Tekkouk Zemmouchi

and

Amira Leila Dib

Gestion de la Santé et Productions Animales Research Laboratory, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires El-Khroub, Univesité de Constantine 1-Frères Mentouri, Constantine 25000, Algeria

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

^†

Presented at the 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation, Constantine, Algeria, 26–27 October 2024.

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007

Published: 24 September 2025

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 11th International Seminar of Veterinary Medicine: Advances in Animal Production, Food, and Health: From Tradition to Innovation)

Download

Browse Figure

Versions Notes

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the morphometric characteristics of Algerian Fantasia horses. A sample of 25 Fantasia horses was measured, with six key morphometric parameters recorded. Body indices were calculated to analyze their structural conformation. These horses, mainly of the Barb and Arab-Barb breeds, exhibit variability due to breeding objectives, whether aesthetic or functional. The results showed that the withers height was 155.19 ± 2.76 cm, with a body length of 154.31 ± 4.38 cm, indicating a square-type conformation, as confirmed by a body profile index of 1.01 ± 0.02. The dactyl-thoracic index was 0.11 ± 0.004, indicating bone thickness consistent with body weight.Comparisons with existing studies highlight the unique physical characteristics of these horses. The results provide valuable data for future research and breeding programs.

Keywords:

Algerian Fantasia horses; morphometric study; body indices; Barb horses; Arab-Barb horses

1. Introduction

The Algerian Fantasia horse is a key component of the country’s cultural heritage, playing an essential role in traditional Fantasia performances. These horses, primarily derived from the Barb and Arab-Barb breeds, are known for their agility and endurance, which are historically valued in North African equestrian traditions [1,2]. However, breeding choices can vary, prioritizing athletic abilities or aesthetic traits [3]. Despite their cultural significance, few formal morphometric studies have been conducted on Fantasia horses [4,5]. This study aims to provide a detailed morphometric characterization of these horses, focusing on key measurements and body indices. Such analyses are crucial for capturing their physical structure and potential, forming a scientific basis for future breeding and conservation efforts.

2. Materials and Methods

A total of 25 Algerian Fantasia horses were measured during a national equestrian competition. Six key morphometric parameters were recorded: withers height (WH), croup height (CH), body length (BL), head length (HL), chest girth (CG), and fore cannon girth (FCG). From these measurements, Weight and several body indices were calculated to assess structural conformation. The statistical analysis involved the use of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify the key morphometric parameters contributing to the variability observed within the sample. To complement this multivariate approach, Pearson correlation coefficients were computed to evaluate the strength and direction of the associations among the various body measurements.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Morphometric Measurements

The recorded results are presented in Table 1.

3.2. Statistical Analysis and Interpretation

PCA allowed the reduction in the initial seven variables into two principal components, explaining 74.2% of the total variance (Figure 1). The correlation circle shows that the variables WH and CH (correlation coefficient r = 0.92), on one hand, and BW and CG (r = 0.94), on the other, are strongly correlated with each other and contribute mainly to Axis 1, suggesting a gradient related to trunk measurements. Axis 2 is primarily structured by the variable HL, associated with head height.

3.3. Comparative Analysis with Other Studies

This result aligns with previous studies (Table 2) indicating that chest girth is a key determinant of body mass in equines [5].

The differences in morphometric traits highlight the influence of breeding selection, where certain physical traits are favoured to enhance performance and aesthetics in Fantasia events. The high variability in body length and chest girth compared to withers height suggests differences in structural proportions among individuals, which could be linked to variations in ancestry or training regimens.

Compared to previous studies on North African horses, the Fantasia horses exhibit specific conformational traits that distinguish them from general Barb or Arab-Barb populations [6]. Their balance between height and body length, combined with a robust thoracic perimeter, suggests an adaptation to the high-energy demands of Fantasia performances, where bursts of speed and agility are essential.

4. Conclusions

This study provides a detailed morphometric characterization of Algerian Fantasia horses, highlighting their structural uniqueness. The variability in body measurements and indices reflects breeding practices focused on aesthetic, functional, or cultural goals. Comparisons with other studies confirm that Fantasia horses, mainly of Barb and Arab-Barb lineage, exhibit distinct traits influenced by crossbreeding and selective breeding. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding their structural conformation to guide future breeding, conservation, and cultural preservation efforts.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, A.Z.C., S.B.; methodology, A.Z.C., S.B., H.B.; software, S.B.; validation, F.T.Z., A.L.D. and formal analysis, S.B.; investigation, A.Z.C., L.A., A.-E.D., M.B.; data curation, A.Z.C., L.A., A.-E.D., M.B.; writing—original draft preparation, A.Z.C.; writing—review and editing, A.Z.C.; visualization, S.B.; supervision, F.T.Z., A.L.D.; project administration, S.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

Benaïssa, R.; Tamzali, Y. The current situation of Barb horses in Algeria. Maghreb Vét. 1988, 3, 21–23. [Google Scholar]
Kadri, A. Le cheval barbe, cheval du Nord de l’Afrique, son rôleen Algérie. Organis. Mond. Cheval Barbe. 2006, 9, 45. [Google Scholar]
Boujenane, I.; Touati, I.; Machmoum, M. Mensurationscorporelles des chevaux Arabe-Barbes au Maroc. Rev. Méd.Vét. 2008, 159, 144–149. [Google Scholar]
Rahal, K.; Guedioura, A.; Oumouna, M. Paramètresmorphométriques du cheval barbe de Chaouchaoua, Algérie. Revue Méd. Vét 2009, 160, 586–589. [Google Scholar]
Chabchoub, A.; Landolsi, F.; Jary, Y. Etude des paramètresmorphologiques de chevaux Barbes de Tunisie. Rev.Méd. Vét. 2004, 155, 31–37. [Google Scholar]
Guedaoura, S.; Cabaraux, J.F.; Moumene, A.; Tahraoui, A.; Nicks, B. Evaluation morphométrique de chevaux de race barbe et dérivésen Algérie. In Annales deMédecineVétérinaire; ULg-Université de Liège: Liège, Belgium, 2011. [Google Scholar]
Labbaci, M.; Boukraa, D.; Krim, F.; Benhammadi, M.e.A.; Gaouar, S.B.S. Morphological and genetic characterization of fantasia horse breed in Algeria by the study ofmicrosatellites. Genet. Biodivers. J. 2024, 8, 113–129. [Google Scholar]
Benhamadi, M.A.; Mezouar, K.; Benyarou, M.; Bouandas, A.; Gaouar, S.B.S. Morphometric characterization of the equine barbe breed in northwest of Algeria. Genet. Biodivers. J. 2017, 1, 48–65. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]

Figure 1. PCA correlation circle.

Table 1. Body measurements of Fantasia horses in Algeria.

Abbreviation	Measurement	Mean ± SD	Min	Max
WH	Withers Height (cm)	155.2 ± 2.76	150.2	161
CH	Croup Height (cm)	154.5 ± 2.86	150	160
BL	Body Length (cm)	154.3 ± 4.38	146	161.6
HL	Head Length (cm)	60.8 ± 1.83	56.5	64
CG	Chest Girth (cm)	182.5 ± 4.99	172	193
FCG	Fore Cannon Girth (cm)	20.36 ± 0.78	18.8	21.5
BW	Estimated Body Weight (kg)	466.4 ± 24.62	429.9	527.9
BI	Body Index (TP/WH)	1.18 ± 0.03	1.10	1.22
PBI	Profile Body Index (WH/BL)	1.01 ± 0.02	0.97	1.07
RBI	Relative Body Index (BL/TP)	0.85 ± 0.02	0.81	0.92
CI	Compactness Index (PV/WH)	3.00 ± 0.13	2.77	3.28
DTI	Dactyl-Thoracic Index (CP/TP)	0.11 ± 0.004	0.10	0.12
HR	Height Ratio (WH/CH)	1.00 ± 0.01	0.99	1.03

Table 2. Comparative study of body measurements in horses.

Reference	The Present Study	[4]	[5]	[6]	[7]	[8]	Jary Cited by [4]
Country	Algeria (25)	Algeria (41)	Tunisia (41)	Algeria (35)	Algeria (88)	Algeria (43)	Morocco (46)
WH	155.2	151.8	155.7	151.3	155.7	152.5	155.1
CH	154.5	151.6	154.9	150.7	154.7	150.1	155.9
BL	154.3	157.0	155.5	148.2	161.9	160.0	157.1
HL	60.80	66.6	67.2	54.6	47.84	53.1	66.4
CG	182.5	177.6	181.6	171.4	181.9	175.0	178.6
FCG	20.36	18.9	19.7	19.2	23.11	19.8	20.02
BW	466.4	443.6	433.5	412.7	453.3	409.9	423.8
BI	1.176	1.169	1.169	1.133	1.036	1.151	1.149
PBI	1.006	0.960	0.996	1.022	1.031	0.955	0.980
RBI	0.846	/	/	0.866	0.891	0.913	/
CI	3.005	2.795	/	2.589	2.003	2.688	/
DTI	0.112	0.106	/	0.113	0.002	0.113	/
HR	1.004	/	/	1.004	1.007	1.016	/

Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Chaabi, A.Z.; Boukhechem, S.; Bougherara, H.; Afoutni, L.; Djeghar, A.-E.; Boukerrou, M.; Tekkouk Zemmouchi, F.; Dib, A.L. Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition. Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 49, 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007

AMA Style

Chaabi AZ, Boukhechem S, Bougherara H, Afoutni L, Djeghar A-E, Boukerrou M, Tekkouk Zemmouchi F, Dib AL. Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition. Biology and Life Sciences Forum. 2025; 49(1):7. https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chaabi, Aimene Zakaria, Said Boukhechem, Hithem Bougherara, Larbi Afoutni, Alaa-Eddine Djeghar, Maya Boukerrou, Faïza Tekkouk Zemmouchi, and Amira Leila Dib. 2025. "Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition" Biology and Life Sciences Forum 49, no. 1: 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007

APA Style

Chaabi, A. Z., Boukhechem, S., Bougherara, H., Afoutni, L., Djeghar, A.-E., Boukerrou, M., Tekkouk Zemmouchi, F., & Dib, A. L. (2025). Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition. Biology and Life Sciences Forum, 49(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025049007

Article Menu

Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition^†

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Morphometric Measurements

3.2. Statistical Analysis and Interpretation

3.3. Comparative Analysis with Other Studies

4. Conclusions

Author Contributions

Funding

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed Consent Statement

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of Interest

References

Share and Cite

Article Metrics

Article Access Statistics

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI

Article Menu

Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition †

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Morphometric Measurements

3.2. Statistical Analysis and Interpretation

3.3. Comparative Analysis with Other Studies

4. Conclusions

Author Contributions

Funding

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed Consent Statement

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of Interest

References

Share and Cite

Article Metrics

Article Access Statistics

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI

Morphometric Characterization of Algerian Fantasia Horses at a National Equestrian Competition^†