Mustang breed portrait: The wild horses of North America

History of the Mustang horse

Mustangs, the best-known wild horses in North America, date back to horses captured by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. These early horses helped the Spanish in their efforts to explore and conquer the New World. After surviving numerous conflicts with Native American tribes, many of these horses either escaped into the wild or were deliberately set free. Over time, they were joined by domesticated horses that had escaped from captivity. This mixture of escaped and released horses gradually formed the first groups from which the mustang herds developed.

It is also believed that wild stallions sometimes commandeered mares from domesticated groups, increasing the genetic diversity of the emerging mustang population. As these horses multiplied, they adapted to the vast and varied landscapes of the continent and thrived particularly well in the vast grasslands of the prairies. Here, in the wild, the animals once again lived without human intervention.

Over the centuries, the population of wild mustangs grew. Initially, their numbers were so small that they were hardly threatened by natural predators, allowing them to thrive. The breed itself became a unique combination of different horse lines, including Spanish horses and other Iberian breeds introduced by the conquistadors. This genetic blending created the robust and resistant mustang as we know it today.

Mustangs became an invaluable resource for Native American tribes and later for the cowboys who captured and tamed them. Prized for their low cost, endurance, and strength, mustangs were ideal for the demanding travel and labor that frontier life required. Their resilience and adaptability made them a favoured choice for those who wanted to cross the difficult terrain of the West.

However, the ongoing agricultural development in North America, especially the cultivation of the prairies and the rise of cattle breeding changed the natural landscape. Large ranches required faster and stronger horses than the typical mustang. With the expansion of agricultural lands, mustangs were increasingly seen as pests and competitors for scarce resources. This led to widespread efforts to reduce their numbers, and by the mid-20th century, the mustang population had declined dramatically.

By the end of the 20th century, the mustang population had declined drastically. Recognising the cultural and historical importance of mustangs, conservation efforts began in earnest with the establishment of a studbook in 1957 by the American Mustang Association. This organisation was dedicated to the preservation of the breed, focusing on maintaining the genetic diversity and vitality of mustang herds. Today, the mustang is a symbol of the wild and untamed spirit of America's past, and efforts continue to be made to ensure its survival and well-being today.

Appearance of the Mustang

The conformation of mustang horses is a direct product of their environment and their wild history. Every feature, from the structure of their hooves to the shape of their bodies, serves a survival purpose and is a testament to the extraordinary resilience and adaptability of these animals. Mustangs are not only a living symbol of American history but also a testament to the power of natural adaptation and evolutionary development.

Physique of the Mustang horse

Mustangs have a compact and muscular build, which makes them ideal for survival in the often inhospitable and changeable climates of their homeland. Their rump is deep and broad, which gives them excellent lung capacity and therefore endurance. The chest is well developed and the shoulders are sloping, which is necessary for efficient movement.

Head and neck:
The head of the mustang is usually well proportioned, with a straight or slightly concave nose line. The eyes are large and expressive, indicating their alertness and intelligence. The neck is strong and rather short, which helps the animals to pick up speed quickly or change direction abruptly when necessary.

Legs and hooves:
The legs of mustangs are robust and relatively short compared to their body size, which gives them remarkable stability in difficult terrain. The joints are strong and the hooves are exceptionally hard and resistant to the wear and tear caused by constantly walking on hard, stony ground. These characteristics are crucial for survival in the wild, where quick escape from predators or crossing rough landscapes is often necessary.

Coat colors of the mustang

The coat of a mustang can have a variety of colors and patterns. Common coat colors include gray, black, brown, chestnut and piebald, often with distinctive markings such as pale, snip or stars on the forehead. Particularly characteristic are also the "primitive" markings such as eel lines along the back and zebra stripes on the legs, which indicate the genetic proximity to their original ancestors.

Adaptability of the mustang to habitats

The physical characteristics of mustangs reflect their adaptability to a variety of environments, from arid deserts to the cold altitudes of mountainous regions. Their body structure allows them to efficiently store and utilize energy, which is particularly beneficial in areas where forage resources are scarce.

Habitat and way of life

Mustang horses, the symbol of freedom and wildness in the American West, have adapted perfectly to the challenging living conditions of their homeland. Their natural habitat spans the open landscapes of North America, including grasslands, prairies and deserts. These hardy wild horses are known for their ability to survive in environments where water and food resources are scarce.

Mustang nutrition

Mustang horses are herbivores whose main food source consists of grass and other available plants. Their efficient grazing technique enables them to find sufficient food even in the vast and often barren landscapes. They are able to extract nutrients from plants that are difficult for other horse species to digest, giving them a crucial survival advantage.

Interaction with people

Although mustang horses live in the wild, they can occasionally be affected by human activities. In some cases, they are fed by humans or access crops near human settlements. Such interactions can have both positive and negative effects on mustang populations.

Legal protection of mustangs

In the USA, mustang horses are protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This law prohibits the capture, sale, or killing of these animals on federal land without a permit from the relevant authorities. The legal protection helps to preserve the populations of mustangs and ensure their role in the ecology of the North American wilderness.

Management and keeping of mustang horses

Breeding and keeping mustangs is unique and requires specialized knowledge and skills. These horses represent a significant piece of American history and culture. Through responsible breeding and husbandry practices, mustangs can continue to be preserved as part of the natural and cultural heritage of the United States. However, there is no breeding in the true sense of the word in the USA. The horses live freely and the herds are regularly reduced in size to maintain the population. There were also times when many mustangs were killed because the horses multiplied too quickly and took up too much living space.

Management of mustang horses

Wild horse management:
The breeding of mustangs is not practiced in the traditional sense, as the horses live wild in federally protected herds. The population is monitored by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to prevent overpopulation that could damage the ecosystem. Regular censuses and occasional capture operations help to regulate the population.

Adoption Programs:
Surplus mustangs captured by the BLM are often given to private individuals through adoption programs. These programs encourage people to adopt a wild horse and tame it accordingly. This serves not only to protect the horses but also to control wild populations.

Keeping mustang horses

Housing requirements:
Mustangs require considerably more space than domesticated horses due to their origins and strong instincts. A sufficiently large enclosure is crucial so that the horse can move freely and exercise its natural behavior.

Feeding and care:
Mustangs are frugal and have learned to survive under difficult conditions. Nevertheless, they need an adequate supply of food and water. Their diet should consist mainly of roughage, supplemented with minerals that they would naturally consume in the wild.

Training and socialization:
Taming a mustang requires patience, experience, and a deep understanding of the behavior and psychology of wild horses. The process can be lengthy as the horse must learn to trust humans and understand commands.

Health management: Regular veterinary examinations are important to ensure that the mustang remains healthy. Vaccinations, deworming, and hoof care are essential as these horses now live in a more controlled environment that has different requirements than the wild.

Mustang protection programs

The protection and conservation of mustangs require ongoing efforts and cooperation between government agencies, conservationists, and the public. Education programs and public engagement are critical to raising awareness of the importance of these animals and the challenges they face.

The Mustang makeover

The Mustang Makeover is a fascinating event that aims to improve the public perception of mustangs and encourage the adoption of these wild horses. Originally launched in the USA, the event has also attracted international attention. Here is a detailed overview of the Mustang Makeover and its significance.

Aim of the Mustang Makeover

The main goal of the Mustang Makeover is to give wild-caught mustangs a second chance while raising awareness and appreciation for these horses. Trainers are given the opportunity to tame and train a mustang over some time - usually around 100 days. After this training phase, the horses are presented at a public event, which is often concluded with an auction where the trained mustangs are sold to new owners. The presentation of the tamed mustangs also takes place every year at the Aachen Soers. Afterwards, spectators can bid for the Mustang.

Course of the event

Selection and training: 

Trainers sign up for the competition and receive a mustang selected from one of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) herds. Trainers then spend about three months taming their horses and preparing them for various disciplines of riding. This can include dressage, western riding or trail skills.

The makeover event: 

After the training phase, all participants meet for an event lasting several days, where they present the progress and skills of their mustangs. Not only is the horse's versatility and ability in various riding disciplines assessed, but also the connection and relationship of trust that the trainer has built up with the horse.

Auction and adoption: 

The conclusion of the Mustang Makeover is often an auction where the trained horses are sold to members of the public. This serves to give the mustangs a permanent home while generating funds to continue the program and other conservation efforts.

Significance and impact

The Mustang Makeover has been instrumental in raising public interest in mustangs and promoting an understanding of the capabilities and value of these animals as riding and companion horses. It has also helped to rescue numerous mustangs from an uncertain fate and provide them with stable, loving homes. In addition, the event promotes the skills and creativity of trainers from various equestrian disciplines.

Criticism and challenges of the Mustang Makeover

Despite its positive aspects, the Mustang Makeover also faces criticism, particularly in relation to the well-being of the horses and the speed of the training process. Critics argue that the short training period can cause stress for the animals and that not all trainers are equally qualified or sensitive in dealing with the horses.

5 facts about Mustangs

Mustangs are more than just wild horses; they are deeply rooted in American history and culture. Here are five important facts about mustangs that everyone should know:

1. historical origins of mustangs:

Mustangs are the descendants of horses that were brought to North America by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. These horses, originally from Spain, mixed with other runaway or released domestic horses and developed into the wild herds we know today.

2. mustangs as a symbol of freedom: 

Mustangs are a symbol of freedom and untamed nature. Their ability to survive in the vast and often inhospitable landscapes of North America has earned them a legendary status in American folklore and culture.

3. legal protection of mustangs in America: 

Since 1971, mustangs have been protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This act prohibits the capture, sale or killing of wild mustangs on public land, except under certain conditions and with the permission of the relevant authorities.

4. mustang management by the BLM: 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing mustang populations in the US. This includes monitoring herd size to prevent overpopulation that could damage the ecosystem. The BLM conducts regular roundups and offers adoption programs to regulate the number of animals to a sustainable level.

5. diversity of the Mustangs:

Mustangs exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns, including but not limited to gray, black, bay, sorrel, and pinto. Many mustangs also bear primitive markings such as eel marks on their backs or zebra stripes on their legs, indicating their original wild ancestors.