What is a Wild Mustang Horse?
Although there is some DNA evidence to indicate that mustangs are genetically related to prehistoric horses that once inhabited North America, most people believe that they are not indigenous to this continent and, as such, are an introduced rather than a native, wild species (New Scientist Magazine). The "wild" mustang most likely descended from the Iberian horse brought with the Spanish to the New World in the 1600s. This seems like a subtle distinction but it has important legal implications in terms of the survival of the mustang horse breed. On this web site, I use the term "wild" in a different context to mean "free-roaming, feral horses". Przewalski's horse is considered to be the only truly wild horse in the world.
For those interested in the detailed history of mustang horses, refer to the comprehensive website on mustangs by Nancy Kerson (www.mustangs4us.com), who discusses their origin in terms of different eras dating back to the prehistoric horse. Today, most mustangs are crosses between many different breeds that have either escaped, been abandoned or released by ranchers, the U.S. Cavalry and others. This is why they exhibit so many different conformations and colors.
Mustangs in Herd Management Areas (HMAs) regulated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sometimes show the conformation traits of certain breeds, particularly if the herd has been isolated. For example, the Salt Wells Creek HMA has a lineage of gaited horses, such as the Rocky Mountain Horse and the American Saddlebred. Other HMAs may have been dominated by a mix of Thoroughbreds and draft horses. Based on conformation, primitive markings and DNA testing, some mustangs are more related to the original Spanish horses than to introduced breeds. The Kiger mustangs in southeast Oregon and the Pryor Mountain herds in Wyoming are the best known examples. This diverse gene pool coupled with natural selection has produced a very hardy breed that is well suited to the harsh environment of the western plains.
Although there is some DNA evidence to indicate that mustangs are genetically related to prehistoric horses that once inhabited North America, most people believe that they are not indigenous to this continent and, as such, are an introduced rather than a native, wild species (New Scientist Magazine). The "wild" mustang most likely descended from the Iberian horse brought with the Spanish to the New World in the 1600s. This seems like a subtle distinction but it has important legal implications in terms of the survival of the mustang horse breed. On this web site, I use the term "wild" in a different context to mean "free-roaming, feral horses". Przewalski's horse is considered to be the only truly wild horse in the world.
For those interested in the detailed history of mustang horses, refer to the comprehensive website on mustangs by Nancy Kerson (www.mustangs4us.com), who discusses their origin in terms of different eras dating back to the prehistoric horse. Today, most mustangs are crosses between many different breeds that have either escaped, been abandoned or released by ranchers, the U.S. Cavalry and others. This is why they exhibit so many different conformations and colors.
Mustangs in Herd Management Areas (HMAs) regulated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sometimes show the conformation traits of certain breeds, particularly if the herd has been isolated. For example, the Salt Wells Creek HMA has a lineage of gaited horses, such as the Rocky Mountain Horse and the American Saddlebred. Other HMAs may have been dominated by a mix of Thoroughbreds and draft horses. Based on conformation, primitive markings and DNA testing, some mustangs are more related to the original Spanish horses than to introduced breeds. The Kiger mustangs in southeast Oregon and the Pryor Mountain herds in Wyoming are the best known examples. This diverse gene pool coupled with natural selection has produced a very hardy breed that is well suited to the harsh environment of the western plains.
View some good photos of wild mustang horses in this music video.
The common notion that mustangs are difficult to handle is unfounded. With kindness, patience and proper training mustangs can be as well behaved as “domesticated” horses. Mustangs are known for their intelligence, efficient immune systems and excellent hooves. Because of their strength, stamina and agility, they were the preferred horses of the U.S. Cavalry and the Pony Express. Today, they are well suited to many different types of competitive events that demand these qualities, e.g., barrel racing, endurance racing and dressage, to name a few.
Traveling to the western U.S.? Take along the book “the American MUSTANG Guidebook” by Lisa Dines to locate the best areas to view wild mustang herds!
If you are interested in learning more about adopting a wild mustang horse, go to the BLM web site. A good wild mustang resource for Indiana residents is the Hoosier Wild Mustang and Burro Association.
Traveling to the western U.S.? Take along the book “the American MUSTANG Guidebook” by Lisa Dines to locate the best areas to view wild mustang herds!
If you are interested in learning more about adopting a wild mustang horse, go to the BLM web site. A good wild mustang resource for Indiana residents is the Hoosier Wild Mustang and Burro Association.
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