Mustang Horses
Introduction to Mustang Horses
| The Mustang Horse descended from horses brought to Americas by the Spanish conquerors or the conquistadors. It is a hardy, free roaming horse of the North American west. The hardiness, grace, speed and independent image of the wild horse of the west, the name Mustang is well known for high- performance products and for sports mascots. Mustang, an English word comes from the Mexican Spanish word mestengo, derived from the Spanish mesteño, which means “wild, ownerless or stray.” |
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The United States Congress recognized the Mustang in 1971 as “the living symbol of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West that contributes to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enriches the lives of the American people.” |
History of Mustang Horses
| The first descendants of Mustangs came from Iberian horses brought to Mexico in the 1500’s by the Conquistadors. Most of these horses were of Andalusian, Arabian and Barb ancestry. Some of the breeds were stolen by Native Americans and spread rapidly throughout western America. |
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These Mustang Horses were quickly adopted by the Native Americans as a primary means of transportation. It replaced the dog as a travois puller and helped them succeed in battles, trade, and hunts especially in buffalo hunts. These horses were carefully bred to improve their purposes. The North American tribes like Comanche, and the Shoshone, are the most capable horse breeding people in North America.
By 1900, there were an estimated two million free-roaming horses in North America. Mustangs were considered as a resource that could be captured and used or sold (for military use) or slaughtered for food, especially pet food. These abuses led to the first federal wild free roaming horse protection law in 1971.
| This protection increased the population of wild horses during the 1970’s until control of their population became a major concern. In 1976 and 1978, amendments to the original 1971 Act addressed the problem and need to dispose of the animals being removed. |
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Adopt-A-Horse program started in 1973 in Montana as a humane way to distribute the excess animals. With this program, excess Mustangs were made available to the public at a cost of $125 each, but those who wanted to adopt must meet certain requirements for furnishing safe transportation and housing of the horse. The horse remains a property of the government for a year following its adoption.
And finally at the end of the year the adopter is requested to submit a statement from a vet, extension agent, local humane officer or other qualified individual declaring that the horse has had proper care. Then after the approval, a certificate is issued and the horse becomes a legal property of the adopter.
Breed Characteristics
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Mustangs differ in sizes, shapes, colors, and type of build. Mustangs have an average size of 14.2 hands but there are some that are short as 13 hands or as tall as 16 hands. Sorrel, bay, chestnut, and duns are the most common colors of Mustang horses, but any color is also possible. The flashier color like Paints, Appaloosas, Palominos, Buckskins and black also appear. |
Mustangs have evolved their own distinguishing traits, some are small, swift, hardy, and intelligent and well suited to plains conditions. They are very tough, strong, agile, sound, and fast learners. When you gain their loyalty, they can follow directions easily.
| Because of Mustangs environment and growth patterns, Mustang horses have stronger legs and higher bone density than domestic horses. They are heavy boned in order to survive the rigors of running wild. They also have very hard feet; their hooves must be able to withstand all kinds of natural surfaces. |
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Food
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Mustangs eat grass or roughage and drink water from seeps, springs, streams, or lakes. Adults eat an average of 20 pounds of plant food each day. They are able to digest dry and course grasses and other vegetation. When grass is scarce, they eat anything that grows like leaves, goose bushes, young twigs, and even tree bark. They drink twice a day and also seek out needed mineral salt deposits. |
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