Horse
Pronunciation:
Muss'-tang
Breed Description:
The Mustang breed of horse is a North American wild horse breed, representing several thousand animals spread over several mountain and western states. The name 'mustang' comes from the Mexican Spanish 'mestango' and ultimately the Spanish 'mesteno' meaning a feral farm animal. Most mustangs resemble small riding horses, and are generally hardy, intelligent, but of a somewhat plain appearance. Most mustangs are of solid or pinto colors. Some herds, such as the Kiger, have developed in relative isolation and appear very similar to their Spanish ancestors. Other herds have experienced more influence from interbreeding with quarterhorses, applaoosas, and even draft horses, and as a result mustangs can represent a variety of types.
Mustangs are called 'the symbol of the American West', and their history has been the subject of many films, books and legends. Today's mustangs are carefully managed herds, and many individuals are successfully domesticated each year and become riding horses, popular for endurance riding and as ranch horses.
Temperament:
The Mustang breed of horse is a wild horse, strong-willed and independent. However, mustangs have been successfully domesticated and can make good riding horses if carefully trained and handled.
Height:
The Mustang breed of horse stands 14 to 15 hands.
Weight:
The Mustang breed of horse weighs 750 to 900 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Mustang breed of horse is rugged and hardy and has no known health problems, although horses taken directly from the wild may need to be treated for parasites.
Living Conditions:
The Mustang breed of horse lives wild in the American West, often in very harsh conditions. It prefers to be kept outdoors, even in harsh weather.
Exercise:
The Mustang breed of horse developed roaming wild, and needs plenty of pasture and exercise. Consistent training is necessary for domesticated animals to maintain their temperament.
Life Expectancy:
The Mustang breed of horse lives into its early twenties in the wild; but can live longer in captivity.
Grooming:
The Mustang breed of horse is a wild breed and needs very little grooming.
Origin:
The Mustang breed of horse traces its ancestry to horses brought to North America by the Spanish Conquistadors. Over the centuries, other horses have mixed with mustang herds, including quarter horses 'stolen' from ranches by wild stallions and heavier working farm horses of draft breeding. In the early 20th century the mustangs were considered a pest, using up scarce forage and water needed for cattle, and many were hunted for sport and for meat. The numbers of wild mustangs diminished severely, and many herds became isolated. Since 1971 mustang herds are protected and managed by federal and state government agencies, and many have developed unique breed characteristics, such as the Kiger. herd quality and numbers are controlled by periodic roundups, from which wild horses are put up for adoption and rehomed as riding horses. 