Bruno Pugh
Horses are beautiful creatures that captivate us in many ways. They come in two main types: domesticated horses and Mustangs, who thrive in the wild. While Mustangs are known for their free-spirited nature, there’s much more to learn about them. Here is a list of traits that set Mustangs apart from domestic horses, giving you a deeper appreciation for these amazing animals.
Behavior and Temperament
Mustangs are natural survivors, thriving in the wild and relying on each other for survival. As a result, they can be cautious around humans, often perceiving them as potential threats. In contrast, domesticated horses, having been raised alongside people, tend to be more approachable and comfortable with human interaction.
Physical Characteristics
The wild horses tend to be smaller than their domesticated versions. It’s rare to see a Mustang that’s taller than 64 inches. For domestic horses, they come in different sizes and frames. Some may be slender, while others may look bigger. This is because different breeds are bred with a purpose, and that affects their appearance.
Diet and Feeding
It’s a rough food party for Mustangs, who eat what they can find in the vegetation around them. Being out in nature has helped them adapt to surviving on vegetation that may be low on nutrients. Domesticated horses enjoy a careful selection of hay and grains, a regular clean water supply, and may even receive supplements.
Training and Use
Training domesticated horses starts from a young age so they can easily follow instructions by the time they are adults. As for Mustangs, training is typically new to them, which makes the process more challenging. However, with dedication and consistency, they can become sports or riding horses or whatever their owner wants.
Living Environment
Mustangs are out there, roaming mountains and forests and finding shelter in natural spots. Modern home may not be their home tomorrow as they may move to find food or water. Domesticated horses are all about that stable lifestyle. Their food comes to them, and they are well protected from harsh weather conditions.
Health and Maintenance
Being in nature denies Mustangs the healthcare and attention that domesticated cousins get. They’re used to living with injuries without professional treatment, and they may cope with some diseases better than domestics because they look out for themselves. On the other hand, humans are very involved in the health and care of domesticated horses.
Social Structure
Mustangs often form close-knit herds, typically led by a stallion and a mare. The mare guides the herd in daily tasks like finding food, while the stallion takes on the protective role. In contrast, domesticated horses don’t have this natural hierarchy, as their protection and care are provided by their human owners.
Population Control
One would expect that living in the wild would put Mustangs with predators that would control their population. However, they don’t often cross paths with animals above their food chain. So, the Bureau of Land Management controls their numbers through adoption. Owners control the population of domesticated horses through their breeding decisions.
Breeding Practices
Humans are very involved in the breeding of domestic horses. They select the horses for breeding based on traits they want to see in their offspring, like temperament, speed, agility, and size. But in the wild, Mustangs breed naturally. Mustang offspring are products of natural selection, which favors dominant traits over recessive ones.
Lifespan
The harsh conditions of the wild eventually get to Mustangs, who typically don’t live longer than 15 years. Domesticated horses can live an additional 10 to 15 years, thanks to the care and comfort they receive. With proper attention in their later years, domesticated horses can enjoy a longer, healthier life.