Question / Problem:

Where did the American mustangs originate?

 Answer:

Mustangs are not “wild” in the same sense that elk or buffalo are; they were, at one time, domestic animals.  The horses that currently roam the range are descended from horses released by Spanish conquistadors during the 16^th century. Later, horses were released by American Indians and settlers, also contributing to the “wild” horse population. There was a large infusion of domesticated horses to the herds in the early 1900’s during the switch over from horse power to automotives.

Equine Science Center

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