Mustang
Mustang
is the name given to the feral horses of America which first appeared during the
16th century. They are descended from the Spanish horses brought to America by
the conquistadores. At that time, a quantity of horses escaped, or were
released, and these joined together creating herds of feral horses. The name
Mustang derives from the word mestesh, which means 'band or herd of
horses'.
Throughout the centuries horses of various breeds and type have either been released, or have escaped, into the wild and these would naturally form herds together. There is evidence of a heavier type probably developed from early artillery and coach horses which escaped during battle and it is thought that these may have derived from the East Friesian Horse, known to have been popular with the military. At one time they existed in huge numbers too the point that they were damaging grazing land for domestic animals. There ensued a haphazard system of hunting with the Mustang being killed and used for pet food,, or for human consumption. The widespread and indiscriminate killing led to a great reduction in their numbers and it was not until 1971 that any regulations were actually laid down regarding the culling.
They now enjoy federal protection and their welfare is over seen by the B.L.M. - Bureau of Land Management. In 1973, a controversial 'Adopt a Horse' program was begun, which is thought by many to have helped manage numbers of the Mustang. It is considered that the general standard of the Mustang is improving through the B.L.M.'s management, by weeding our the poorer stallions and allowing the better specimens to remain.
There is wide diversity of physical characteristics through the nature of their feral existence but many Mustangs still exhibit characteristics of the original Spanish horses. As a guide, Mustangs will often have a Spanish type head with a Roman nose; they are usually short through the neck, somewhat upright in the shoulder, flat through the withers, have a short back, and poorly conformed, but very tough legs. As with any feral animal, their temperament is rebellious and intractable although with experienced handling many Mustangs are tamed to become good riding horses. There height ranges from 14 hh to 15 hh, and they can be any color.