The Spanish Mustang - Horse of the Past
The Pryor Mountain wild horses are considered an endangered and rare breed. Their history has led scientists to believe the original herd descended from Spanish horses and may have been brought over by Columbus. Settlers brought these horses to the Atlantic coastal areas and western territories setting up breeding colonies. Most of these sturdy animals were then used for farming, endurance duties and transportation in a yet untamed world. In the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680, Indians raided these farms, stole horses and traded them. With a lot of chaos created by the constant battles, many of these horses escaped and became feral as they ran wild in nature.
They were able to thrive on forage that other breeds could not exist on, and their speed and agility set them apart as a breed to be revered. Through survival of the fittest for generations, the Spanish Mustang essentially culled their own herds, resulting in the healthiest, sturdiest and most intelligent. They showed their ability to survive and multiplied where other breeds had perished. Considered to be extremely tough with incredible stamina,the herd evolved in nature as their heads grew larger, their eyesight became more acute and their sharp minds grew as they focused on survival.
Studies have been done to determine genetic traits and what type of horse the herd was most genetically related to, and no similarities could be found relating the mustangs to either the draft breeds or the thoroughbreds. As opposed to many domesticated horses, the mustangs can also bond very closely with their owner and become very attached to their human companions. Their sizes normally range from 13.2 to 15 hands, with short backs, rounded rumps and extremely bruise resistant hooves. They can be found in most colors, and surprisingly some mustangs are even gaited.
In order to preserve the integrity of the breed, right about the time the Spanish Mustang was on the eve of extinction in the mid 1950’s, Robert Brislawn of Oshoto, Wyoming founded the Spanish Mustang Registry. Twenty horses were originally registered with the ultimate goal to preserve and perpetuate the last remnants of the Spanish Mustangs. There can be no attempts to crossbreed or change these horses so that these creatures will not lose their true characteristics. Today there are more than 3100 registered Spanish Mustangs, maintaining a legacy that endures even in these modern times.
