When people think of the Wild West, they often conjure up ideas of cowboys, Indians, saloons, and poker. But ask someone about horses in the Wild West and the American Mustang will probably come to mind. Originally of Spanish decent, this horse breed was formally established in North America and took on the role of the quintessential muscular, athletic horse for United States riders.
Physical Characteristics
The American Mustang’s carriage is majestic and symmetric, every body part proportional to the rest. Its long, highly crested neck blends smoothly with its sloping shoulders. And its head, which narrows down to a fine muzzle, gives the Mustang a rather proud look.
The American Mustang is muscular, but not overly so. This is especially noticeable in its long, defined legs and straight back. Compact, rounded hooves and a low-set tail are also standard for this breed.
The American Mustang comes in a variety of colors including the standard colors bay, black and chestnut, but have been seen in pinto, white, spotted, dun-colored and buckskin-color.
Overall, the American Mustang shows nobility and refinement in its form and lines, making it a great horse for all occasions.
Personality and Temperament
Initially, the American Mustang can be difficult and is known to have a noticeable independent streak, especially when it has been taken from the wild. However, once properly trained, this intelligent horse is among the best riding horses in the world.
Care
The American Mustang is not a delicate horse. Its origin and ancestry makes it a sturdy and independent breed, capable of fending for itself. You do need to provide it with adequate pasture for grazing and exercise, as well as supplemental feed when necessary.
History and Background
The English word "mustang" comes from the Mexican Spanish term mestengo, derived from the Spanish word mesteño, meaning "stray" or "feral." As its name indicates, the American Mustang roamed North America freely. From a mixed bloodline of Barb, Arabian and Andalusian, the breed was brought over by Spanish Conquistadors, beginning with Columbus during his second voyage in 1493. Native Americans quickly adopted the Mustang as a mode of transportation, using them in battles, for hunting, and as a bartering item. During the westward migration of the 1800s, Americans took to these horses and attempted to improve the breed. It was common practice for Western ranchers to release their horses to forage for themselves and then upon recapturing, take in the Mustangs that had joined the horse group.
In 1962, a registry for the American Mustang breed was established in San Diego, California. The American Mustang Association (AMA) had a very simple purpose: to collect and record the American Mustang pedigree.
Currently, to be registered with the AMA, a horse must conform to the association's physical proportions and size standards; whether or not the bloodline or ancestry of the horse is pure is not that important. Through this selection (and inclusion) process, the AMA hopes to preserve the original characteristics of the ancient Mustang.