Mustang Horse Breed Information
The Mustang is the feral horse of North America, descended from the horses of the Spanish settlers, and therefore of Andalusia, Arab and Barb origins. Mustangs roamed free for over 300 years. During which time they developed into hardy, thrifty, independent horses. Many were caught by the Indians, and later they were popular with the cowboys. Early Mustangs showed their Spanish and Barb origins, but many of the best were captured and the quality of the herds left in the wild declined.
The Mustang was found to have good cow-sense, and as well as being used liter cattle-work, it was crossed with other larger breeds brought over by the early settlers to create larger working horses, and later with the Thoroughbred. The Quarter-Horse was the outstanding breed produced from the Muss-tang. And it was also influential in the development of the other stock breeds, the Appaloosa, Palomino and Pinto.
Today the wild Mustang has declined in numbers and is protected by law. In addition, various registries have been established to preserve the different bloodlines. The Spanish Mustang Registry is for horses of obvious Barb descent. These horses are very good for general and endurance riding. The Spanish Barb Mustang Registry is for horses that are not of pure Barb descent but which still show the correct characteristics. There is also an American Mustang Association.