Mustang Horse Breed: The Wild Horses Of The American West

The Mustang horse breed is a symbol of the American West—wild, resilient, and with centuries of history behind it. Shaped by nature, they’re as rugged as the terrains they roam.

But what are Mustang horses known for? How did they come to be? And can you own one? Here’s everything you need to know about these wild horses.

What Is A Mustang Horse?

A Mustang is a wild, free-roaming horse of the American West, with roots tracing back to horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

Is a Mustang a wild horse, though? While often called “wild”, Mustangs are actually feral horses—their ancestors were once domesticated. They’ve adapted to rugged landscapes, gaining traits like endurance, agility, and resilience.

Today, Mustangs remain free-roaming horses, and the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) helps manage their numbers to protect the Mustang herds and their environment.

Mustang Horse Origin: Where Do Mustang Horses Come From?

The Mustang’s roots go back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought horse breeds like Andalusians and Barbs to the Americas. These were the ancestors of today’s Mustangs.

The name “Mustang” comes from the Spanish word “mestengo,” meaning “stray” or “ownerless”, reflecting their free-roaming spirit.

Some of these early Spanish horses escaped or were released into the wild, and without human help, they adapted to the diverse and rugged terrains of the Western United States.

They developed stamina and agility and thrived in various climates, from arid deserts to snowy mountains. This natural evolution gave us the modern Mustang breed.

Where Do Mustang Horses Live?

Mustang horses are wild and primarily inhabit the western United States. They live in diverse environments, from deserts and grasslands to mountainous regions. The Bureau of Land Management oversees most of their herds, allowing them to roam freely on public lands in states like Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana.

Mustang Horse Characteristics: What Does A Mustang Horse Look Like?

Here’s a breakdown of Mustang horse traits—their height, weight, and coat colors.

How tall is a Mustang horse?

The Mustang horse height is around 4.7-5 feet. That’s around 14-15 when measured in hands.

How much do Mustang horses weigh?

The Mustang horse weight range is around 800-1,200 lbs. Males (stallions) are often on the heavier side of this range, while females (mares) might be slightly lighter.

What are the Mustang horse coat colors?

The most common Mustang horse coat colors include:

• Bay: Reddish-brown coat with a black mane, tail, and legs
• Black: Solid black coat
• Chestnut: Reddish-brown coat, mane, and tail
• Dun: Sandy to reddish coat, often with a dorsal stripe
• Grullo: Smoky or mouse-grey coat with black points
• Paint: Various pinto patterns with distinct white markings or patches

Mustang Horse Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?

On average, Mustang horses live between 15 and 20 years. Wild Mustangs face natural hazards and limited resources, which can shorten their lifespan. On the flip side, domesticated Mustangs enjoy regular veterinary care, a controlled diet, and safer living conditions, often leading to a longer and healthier life.

Mustang Horse Personality: How To Tell If A Horse Is A Mustang?

The Mustang horse temperament is unique. Here’s everything you need to know:

• Independent and curious: If a horse loves exploring new things on its own, it might have Mustang roots. Their curiosity and independence reflect their wild nature.
• Resilient and adaptable: Mustangs have thrived in harsh and variable wild conditions for centuries. This adaptability makes them fit for diverse environments, from the wild to domestic life.
• Alert and cautious: Mustangs are cautious around new people or situations. This trait can make them resistant to commands or training until they build trust with their handlers.
• Natural horsemanship skills: Developed out of necessity, Mustangs are intuitive and responsive to cues, moving fluidly and reacting swiftly. These natural skills are valuable in training.
• Intelligent: Mustang horses are problem-solvers and decision-makers. The horse’s intelligent nature can lead to independent behavior, where they might choose their own way rather than following commands.
• Trust and respect: Building a foundation of trust and respect is crucial for owning a Mustang. Without it, they may be less willing to cooperate.

Types Of Mustang Horses

The types of Mustang horses are mostly classified by the reserve they live in, including:

• BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Mustangs: Managed by the BLM, from various herds across the Western United States.
• Forest Service Mustangs: Found in regions managed by the U.S. Forest Service, like the Monongahela National Forest and other national forests.
• Comstock/Virginia range Mustangs: Native to Nevada’s Comstock/Virginia Range
• Badlands Mustangs: Roaming the rugged terrain of the Badlands in South Dakota, known for its extreme weather.
• Salt River Mustangs: Inhabit the Salt River area of Arizona, adapting to desert and river environments.
• Kiger Mustangs: A distinct group from the Kiger Gorge area of Oregon.
• Sable Mustangs: Originating from the Sable area of Oregon.
• Calico Mustangs: Found in the Calico Mountains region of Nevada.
• Bighorn Mustangs: Native to the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming and Montana.
• Shelby Mustangs: Associated with the Shelby Wild Horse Range in Nevada.

What Are Mustang Horses Used For Today?

Beyond their free-roaming lifestyle, Mustang horses are versatile and used for various purposes:

• Equestrian sports: Mustangs are one of the best horses for barrel racing, dressage, and endurance riding.
• Work and ranching: Mustangs assist on ranches with cattle work and other ranching tasks.
• Therapeutic riding programs: They play a role in equine-assisted and horse therapy, helping with healing and personal growth.
• Educational programs: Mustangs are used to teach about wild horse conservation, the history of the American West, and managing wild horse populations.
• Conservation and research: Some Mustangs are involved in studies on their behavior, genetics, and adaptability.

FAQs

Are Mustangs bigger than domesticated horses?

No, Mustangs are generally smaller than many domestic horse breeds. They typically stand 14 to 15 hands high, while domestic horses can range from 14 to over 17 hands, depending on the breed. Mustangs are built for agility and endurance rather than size.

Can Mustangs be tamed?

Yes, Mustang horses can be tamed with patience and consistent training. Many are successfully adopted and trained for various uses, although their initial wild instincts may require extra effort to manage.

Is a Mustang expensive?

The cost of a Mustang horse is $25-$5,000+. Prices can vary based on factors like training, age, and individual characteristics. They are generally less expensive than other domestic breeds. For example, the cost of a Gypsy horse is $4,000- $40,000+, whereas the cost of a Percheron horse is $1,000-$10,000+.

Final Thoughts

Mustangs are officially recognized as a breed and protected as a species. You can find them in both domesticated settings and wild reserves.

Are Mustang horses dangerous in the wild? Not at all – though they’re unlikely to approach you.

Now that you’ve learned about Mustang horse history and its unique traits, you may consider purchasing one for yourself!