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| Pryor Mountain Mustang |
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In 1950 an isolated
and unique herd of mustangs was discovered on the south slope of
East Pryor Mountain overlooking the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming.
75 horses from the Pryor Mountain herd were blood-tested and found
to be of Spanish origin, but natural selection and the mountain
habitat caused natural evolution. The size remained small and
compact, generally around 14 hands. The cold mountain climate led to
a heavier body type, thicker necks and smaller ears. The Pryor
Mountain mustangs come in a rich and brilliant array of colors and
exhibit some of the most dramatic primitive markings seen on any
breed of horse anywhere in the world.
How these horses got to this remote area is a mystery.
Some believe they were brought there by the Crow Indians who were
highly-skilled horse traders; others have speculated that they are
the descendants of horses that were stolen or escaped from the Lewis
and Clark expedition.
In September, 1968, Secretary of State Stewart Udall
announced the creation of the Wild Horse Refuge in the Pryor
mountains. Through the diligent efforts of the Lovell, Wyoming
Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Association, and many other concerned
citizens, this area was set aside to help preserve the unique breed
of American mustang found here.
The Pryor Mountain Mustang Breeders Association was started
in 1992 to establish and preserve a gene pool for the precious
resource these horses represent. By selective breeding the Colonial
Spanish type has been emphasized in only a few generations. The
Breeders Association plans to restore the best attributes of this
breed and to demonstrate the versatility, endurance and intelligence
of the Pryor Mountain Mustang. |
Image
copyright Feenixx Publishing.
All right reserved. May not be used without prior written consent. |
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