There are many different strains of American Mustang, all of them originally imported Colonial Iberian types. The Pryor Mountain herd is notable for being particularly pure genetically.
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Descendants of animals brought by Spanish explorers during the 16th century, horses are thought to have been found in the Pryor range since the 17th century. By the late 19th century their numbers were thriving, the hardy Iberian animals adapting well to local terrain. As settlers began to arrive, domestic horses made their way into the herds. <\/p>\n
Early in the 20th century the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934 gave ranchers permission to graze their herds on federal lands. By 1946 the BLM was established to manage the land, but not yet to protect the herds. Feral horses in many places are considered pests to ranchers and farmers, competing with livestock for resources. Unbranded animals were often rounded up and sold or domesticated. <\/p>\n
Luckily this led to the Wild Horse Annie Act of 1959, providing the wild horses some protection from harassment. Over the second half of the 20th century there were several attempts by the BLM to remove horses from the Pryor range, each time the locals rose up in their defense and challenged the BLM’s actions. <\/p>\n
Their tenacity paid off and the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 made it a crime for anyone to harass or kill feral horses or burros on federal land. They were to be managed by departments of the Interior and Agriculture and land was set aside for them. <\/p>\n
Feral animals found in the Pryor Mountain area is a uniquely pure strain of Colonial Spanish horses imported to the Americas. Their herd is limited to 120 members, considered to be optimal number to prevent inbreeding. Animals that are captured are adopted and known for their hardy nature. <\/p>\n
Average height 13-15 hands
\nSome possess an ambling gait
\nMane and tail are long and thick<\/p>\n
Head has a convex or straight profile and a broad forehead
\nEyes are wide set
\nEars are curved
\nNostrils are small
\nNeck is medium
\nShoulder is sloping
\nWithers are prominent
\nChest is narrow
\nTail is low set
\nHooves are large and hard<\/p>\n
Generally bay<\/a>, brown<\/a>, chestnut<\/a>, black<\/a>, dun<\/a>, roan<\/a> and sometimes buckskin<\/a> or pinto<\/a> <\/p>\n Intelligent and loyal When domesticated they are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of equestrian activities. <\/p>\n Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center<\/a>Temperament<\/h3>\n
\nSpirited and lively<\/p>\nUse<\/h3>\n
Helpful Links<\/h3>\n
\nBLM Pryor Mountain Range<\/a><\/p>\nMore Images<\/h3>\n
\n\n![\"Pryor](\"\/images\/pryor-mountain-mustang-1.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Pryor](\"\/images\/pryor-mountain-mustang-2.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Pryor](\"\/images\/pryor-mountain-mustang-3.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Pryor](\"\/images\/pryor-mountain-mustang-4.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVideo<\/h3>\n