Known by a large variety of different names, the American Indian Horse is a broad term that encompasses a variety of different types. Most of them based on animals left behind during the initial exploration and colonization of the American continents.
A Little Backstory
In North America the horses that have historically run wild generally carry some degree of Iberian blood. Depending on their location and genetic purity, some are known specifically as Spanish Mustangs. These are descendants of animals imported by the Spanish, many of which were left to their own devices after their usefulness had been spent. Others might have found their way into tribal hands during raiding parties. Either way, tribes across the expanse of North America developed a profound appreciation for this fantastic new animal.
There have been a variety of tribal strains developed out of the original Spanish genetics and all of them can be registered with the American Indian Horse Registry. Type O is the perhaps the most important, as it is based solely on preserving direct bloodline connections to one of the tribes. Not just for pedigreed animals, there are also five different classes which can be registered, roughly based on the purity of their bloodlines.
What Makes Them Special
Their significance to the history of people native to North America. The Iberian animals were selected for the journey to North America based in part on their robust nature. Surviving an Atlantic crossing was the first adventure, then they were met with a harsh unforgiving and sometimes alien continent full of danger. Only the toughest animals survived the perils long enough to reproduce, lending their tough genetics to the animals various tribes later adopted. Given their importance in taming North America for all types of people, descendants of Iberian horses hold a special place in the heart of many Americans. To learn more about the breed, be sure to visit the American Indian Horse page.
Quick Facts
Native to the United States.
American Indian Horse Registry
They are not listed in the DAD-IS.