Mustang

Looks how to spot one

hair coat

The Mustang has a dense, thick coat that is naturally adapted to harsh weather. Its mane and tail are full and require regular detangling. The body is typically slight and agile, built for endurance rather than bulk.45

Personality what they are like

Mustangs are intelligent, alert and cautious by nature, with a strong survival instinct. They can be independent and wary of strangers, but once a bond of trust is formed, they become willing, loyal and quick to learn. They are best suited to experienced handlers who can offer patient, consistent training.243

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Mustangs need daily turnout for physical and mental health, plus regular exercise suited to their fitness level. They excel at endurance riding, trail riding, ranch work, reining, dressage and barrel racing. A predictable routine with social contact is important.26

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Grooming is straightforward: brush a few times a week with a curry comb, dandy brush and mane brush, and bathe as needed. Hooves should be checked daily and cleaned with a hoof pick. A qualified farrier should trim and shoe hooves regularly. Mustangs often have tough hooves that can go barefoot.24

Home where they are happiest

Mustangs need secure, tall fencing and shelter from extreme weather. They do best with access to pasture grazing, but care must be taken with lush grass as they are easy keepers. A dry, clean stable or run-in shed provides necessary protection.23

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a forage-first diet of good quality hay and grass, with mineral and vitamin supplements. Mustangs have an efficient metabolism and gain weight easily, so avoid rich, sugary feeds. Concentrates are only needed for intense work. Provide about 2% of body weight in forage daily.24

Company who they like around

Mustangs are herd animals and need social contact with other horses. They thrive with consistent handling and clear boundaries. Newly adopted wild Mustangs require an experienced trainer and a patient handling plan before anything else.263

The story where it all began

The Mustang descends from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Over centuries, these horses escaped or were released, forming free-roaming herds across the Western United States. They are feral, not truly wild, as they descend from domesticated animals. By the early 20th century, herds had shrunk dramatically, but conservation efforts and the Bureau of Land Management now help manage and protect them. Today, Mustangs can be adopted from the BLM or bought from breeders, and they are valued for their hardiness, intelligence and historical significance.127