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The Kiger Mustang"A Living Legend and Symbol of our Western Heritage" |
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The Kiger Mustang"A Living Legend and Symbol of our Western Heritage" |
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No other horse in America is quite like the Kiger Mustang found on Steens Mountain in Central Oregon. That opinion is held by scores of horse enthusiasts and wild horse authorities who have observed the animals in the wild.
The Kiger Mustangs are thought to be one of the most pure herds of Spanish Mustangs existing in the wild today. Most wild horses are of mixed breeding, while the Kiger Mustangs possess all the characteristics of the Spanish Barb from which the Spanish Mustangs came from, and by today's standards, appear to be a pure breed. The word "mustang" was derived from the word "mesteņo," which meant "unclaimed sheep" in the Spanish language and came to mean "wild" or "unclaimed" horse. Mustang came about as an English language slang term for mesteņo.
The Kiger Mustang exhibits physical color characteristics known as the "dun factor" which were also common to many of the horses the Spaniards introduced to North America in the 1600s. Color classifications of the dun factor are: dun, red dun, grulla (mouse grey), buckskin, and variations of these colors. Markings on animals with the dun factor include dorsal stripes; zebra stripes on the knees and hocks; chest, rib and arm bars; outlined ears; the top third of the ear on its backside darker than body color; fawn coloring on the inside of the ears; bicolored mane and tail; cobwebbing on the face and face masks. The less white these horses have, the stronger the dun factor. An individual horse having the dun factor may have many, but not all of these markings.
Kiger Mustangs have the physical conformation of both the Tarpan and Oriental Hotblood horse, from which the original Spanish Mustangs were bred. They are slightly smaller than many of the present day breeds of horses with small, round bones, small feet, and very little feather on their legs and fetlocks. The Kiger Mustangs also look very much like modern day Spanish Sorraias. They are indeed a unique breed of wild horse.
The Spanish Mustang was a part of early American history, having roots in Native American culture and is the horse that helped settle the West. At one time, it was thought to be extinct on the range. Since the Kiger Mustangs might be the best remaining example of the Spanish Mustang, their preservation is extremely important.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages two special areas in Southwestern Oregon for wild horses with Spanish Mustang characteristics. These two areas have been set aside to reduce the risk of loosing all the animals should a natural disaster occur. The areas are located in the Burns area and are known as the Kiger and the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Areas (HMAs).
The Kiger HMA covers nearly 37,000 acres with a minimum herd population of 51 horses and a maximum of 82. The Riddle Mountain HMA contains nearly 20,000 acres with a minimum of 33 horses and a maximum of 56. When the herds reach the maximum numbers, the excess is rounded up and taken to the Burns BLM Wild Horse Corrals where they are made available for public adoption. The herd size increases about 20% a year, which requires a roundup about every 4 years.
Periodically, horses from one herd are transferred to the other to prevent inbreeding. Quality animals are returned to the herds following roundups to maintain integrity and improve adaptability. There is a high demand for adoption of Kiger Mustangs for use as pleasure and breeding stock. They are noted for their intelligence and stamina.
Seeing the beauty of the Kiger Mustang in the wild, with their classic coloration and markings will add much to one's enjoyment of our western heritage and is an experience no one will soon forget.
For more information about wild horses and the BLM's Adopt-A-Horse Program, write to:
For more information on Kiger Mustangs and other "wild" horses, visit:
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© 1992-2018 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/3/2018 |
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