Horse breeds / Mustang
Photo: Bureau of Land Management · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Mustang
Mustangs descend from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers and colonists beginning in the 1500s. Over generations, animals that escaped or were released spread across the western plains and mountains, and their descendants became the free-roaming herds of the American West. Today most wild horses in the United States are managed on public rangeland, and Canada has its own feral herds. Mustangs were never bred for a single purpose, so the type is shaped more by survival than by a studbook.
Mustangs are typically compact, sturdy, and sure-footed, with strong legs and good feet. Their temperament varies widely from one animal to the next. Many are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can also be wary of people, especially if they were gathered as adults. Gentled mustangs can make capable trail partners and steady all-round horses, though a first-time owner will usually do better with a horse that has already been started under saddle by someone experienced.
Day to day, a mustang needs ample space to move, regular turnout, and forage. They are happiest with other horses for company, and they do best when given a steady routine. Hoof care, dental checks, and vaccinations should stay consistent, since a mustang that has spent years on the range may need time to settle into domestic life.
Good for: Experienced owners, trail riders, and hardy outdoor keepers
| Size | small |
| Weight | 772–992 lb |
| Height | 53–59 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | United States, Canada |
Choose a mustang that has already been gentled and started under saddle, since wild-origin horses can need experienced handling.
Living with a Mustang
Exercise
A healthy adult mustang typically needs about an hour of ridden or in-hand work most days, plus ample turnout to move freely. Too little exercise can lead to excess energy, restlessness, and weight gain. Regular movement helps keep the feet and joints sound.
Grooming
Mustangs have a dense winter coat and typically need brushing to remove loose hair in spring. Their manes and tails are often full and can be left natural or lightly trimmed. Regular hoof trimming every five to eight weeks keeps them balanced, and clipping is rarely needed unless the horse is worked
At home
Mustangs usually do best with generous turnout and a companion horse, and they handle outdoor living well. Their hardiness is a real strength in changing weather. Most are easy keepers that thrive on good pasture and quality hay, though some individuals gain weight readily and need careful portion control. Stabling is best kept to a minimum.
Training
Mustangs tend to learn through patience and consistency, and many are thoughtful about what they are asked to do. They often excel on trail, in western disciplines, and as sturdy all-round mounts. A green mustang may take longer to gain trust, so expect a slower start, with progress coming in steady steps rather than quick leaps.
Health
Mustangs are generally hardy, but as easy keepers they can be prone to weight-related issues such as laminitis, especially on rich pasture. Individual horses may have different needs, and their history on the range can affect their health records. Please ask your veterinarian about the conditions most relevant to your
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Dental wear
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Mustang
Forage and water, adult
13–22 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 772–992 lb, and 8–14 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,750–$4,750
Hay about $1,533, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 85°F, stop at 95°F
Blanket or shelter below 20°F. Bred for heat: fine working in warm weather with water and salt, but a thin coat and skin want a blanket and shelter below about 20°F.
Where a Mustang is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
In the news
Horse Advocates Livid At BLM For Shooting Rare Blue-Eyed Mustangs For Being 'Blind'
Cowboy State Daily · Oct 31
Rescue a Mustang
Shelters and breed rescues list Mustangs and Mustang mixes every week. Search adoptable Mustangs on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Mustang right for you?
- Yes if you enjoy long trail rides and outdoor living
- Yes if you can offer patient, consistent handling
- Yes if you have room for turnout and ideally a companion
- Think twice if you want a horse ready for beginner lessons
- Think twice if you are not prepared for a slow, careful start
Questions owners ask
Are mustangs good for beginners?
Usually not as a first horse unless you buy one already gentled and started by an experienced trainer. Working with a knowledgeable professional helps a beginner build confidence.
How much does a mustang cost?
Prices vary widely by source, training, and age. Adoptions through government programs are often modest, while trained horses from private sellers cost more.
How tall do mustangs get?
Most mustangs stand roughly 13 to 15 hands at the withers, though individual horses can vary somewhat in size.
How long do mustangs live?
With good care, mustangs commonly live 25 to 30 years, similar to many other domestic horse breeds.
Are mustangs easy keepers?
Many are, thriving on good pasture and forage, so their feed should be monitored to prevent weight gain.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.