Mustang horses, also known as the Maroon horse, are one of the most outstanding for their wild spirit and “indomitable” character. They are also among the most striking for their beauty, endurance and independence.
At Equspaddock, as true lovers of the equestrian world and manufacturers of accessories and elements of riding, in this article we tell you more details about this equine breed.
Discover this precious savage!
History and origin of the Mustang horse
This is one of the best known equestrian breeds in the United States, since its origin comes from North America. Actually, this breed originates after the crossing of the wild horses of the area with the Andalusian, Arabian and Hispanic horses that the Spaniards brought to America in the 16th century.
Throughout history, this kind of horse was threatened as a consequence of the expansion of agriculture and the reduction of its natural habitat, in addition to its capture for agricultural tasks, so that the Mustang horse was on the verge of extinction in the 20th century.
For this reason, at the end of the twentieth century, the Wild Horses and Burros Protection Act was passed, which made it possible to protect it for its preservation and conservation. In fact, today there are around 100,000 free-ranging horses in the pastures of the western United States, being one of the few equine breeds with free-ranging horses. And many others live in shelters and protected areas.
The origin of the American Mustang
In its beginnings, this horse lived in the wild on American pastures. Although some specimens did live in captivity, being a means of transportation and animal for work in some indigenous peoples of the area. However, after European colonization, these were crossed with some Spanish breeds, thus emerging the current Mustang equine.
Characteristics of the mustang horse
This wild horse has characteristics that make it unique and, although it is generally of small to medium size, it has a fierce temperament, great endurance and speed and likes to live in a herd. Living in the wild has made this breed of horse strong and muscular, as well as difficult to tame.
Physical and behavioral aspects
As for the physical characteristics of this breed, it is a medium-sized horse that usually measures between 1.40 and 1.50 m, its head is quite small and thin, its eyes are large. However, its body is corpulent, robust, strong and resistant. It has a very prominent and pronounced croup, and its neck is quite short, but very muscular. You can find it in a variety of colors such as jet black, chestnut, rosillo (a mixture of white, black and chestnut), bay (yellowish white) and even snow white.
The behavior of this breed is also very characteristic. It is a very intelligent, cheerful, lively and independent specimen due to its state of freedom and need to survive in the American pastures. It is also an exemplary, loyal and protective horse. Conversely, it is very distrustful and wary of humans and strangers.
The stamina and strength of the mustang horse.
It has a muscular and corpulent body that gives it endurance and speed to withstand extreme weather situations when living in freedom in the pastures. It is a balanced and well-developed equine of medium size.
The importance of the mustang horse in equestrian competitions
Its physical characteristics and learning ability make it a potential specimen and suitable for long distance competitions such as raids or enduro. However, its difficult character to tame and train makes it difficult to participate in the more classical equestrian disciplines such as dressage or jumping competitions, for example.
It is an animal that requires a lot of time, patience, practice and confidence to train it and to be able to teach it tricks and disciplines. And, without a doubt, riding without a saddle is one of the practices most suited to its behavior. It is essential that riders who ride this breed have experience and full confidence in the animal.
Mustang Horse Care and Handling
It is important to take good care of this equine breed to ensure its health and well-being. For example, vaccinations, check-ups and relevant shoeing, among others
Food and health
This Mustang breed horse can go without food for long periods of time and withstand extreme temperatures and climates, since to survive it must adapt to the plains and pastures where they live. They are herbivorous animals that feed on grass and herbs. They need to drink quite a lot of water, between 20 and 60 liters, and it is recommended that they feed on hay, plants, cereals and fresh pastures.
Recommended equipment
Due to its natural habitat and taking into account that it is a mostly wild breed, it is important to choose its equipment safely. Therefore, it is important to use saddles that fit well, are comfortable and, above all, that the animal has confidence with the rider and feels at ease.
The future of the mustang horse
This breed is one of the most protected currently, due to its constant threats of extinction due to the reduction of its natural habitat in North America due to urbanization, construction, etc. It is also one of the most threatened by capture by captive hunters for breeding or sale.
Today, the mustang horse can be found in areas of the United States and, although in smaller numbers, in Mexico. It is also present in animal shelters that are responsible for conserving and defending their breed and habitat.
It is essential to continue with the preservation and conservation actions of these horses. In addition, they have a good positive reproductive predisposition, so this favors their conservation. Therefore, it is interesting to work on improving the relationship between them and humans to conserve the species.
Without a doubt, this specimen reflects freedom, resistance, character and loyalty. If you want to discover other types of breeds, we invite you to get to know the English Purebred Horse
