Mustangs

Mustangs are free-roaming horses of the Americas, usually descended from domesticated stock introduced by Europeans. The name derives from the Spanish mestengo, meaning wild or stray. In common usage, mustang refers to horses living in wild or semi-wild herds on public lands in the western United States.

Most mustangs inhabit public rangelands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Populations can number in the tens of thousands and fluctuate with drought and policy. They are protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, with management including adoption programs, fertility control, and, when necessary, removal to corrals or sale to private owners to maintain ecological balance.

Genetically, mustangs reflect mixed ancestry from Iberian stock and later imports; there is no single breed. They exhibit a range of coat colors and sizes, but share adaptations for endurance and harsh environments, contributing to their reputation as hardy survivors.

Socially, mustangs form bands led by a stallion, with mares and foals. Mares typically foal once per year after roughly an 11-month gestation. Lifespans in the wild average into the mid-20s, with variation based on habitat quality and access to resources.

Cultural significance: mustangs are iconic symbols of the American West and have prominent roles in art, literature, and rodeo. They remain central to ongoing debates about wildlife management, animal welfare, and competing land-use priorities.