Brought to the New World by the Spanish Conquistadors, the Spanish Mustang is descended from Andalusian, North African Barb, Jennet and the native Spanish Sorraia horse.

Forrest Cox hugs "Ashley" (SMR # 2156), a light grulla Spanish Mustang with the classic zebra stripe markings.

In the 1920's remnants from wild herds and from the Cheyenne, Crow, Shoshone and Ute Indian herds as well as from Old Mexico were gathered by Robert and Ferdinand Brislawn. In order to preserve the few remaining pure Spanish Mustangs a registry was formed in 1957. The Spanish Mustang Registry, Inc. is the first and oldest of its kind with current registration of over 2650 horses.

Many outstanding attributes are credited to the Spanish Horse. They were the first horses to set foot in the New World after a hiatus of some 10,000 years. Though the horse evolved on this continent, all vanished due to unknown causes and when the Spaniards arrived in the New World, the horse came "home". The Conquistadors used their tough and hardy horses for exploration from the deserts to the mountains and in their progressive movement north, they introduced the horse to the Indian tribes, bringing a new life style to those tribes that forever changed their lives. The western plains were admirably suited for the wild herds that eventually formed from lost, stolen or strayed Spanish and Indian horses and in the early 1800's millions of the descendants of the famous Spanish horses were to be found, reportedly a "vast sea" of varied colored, tossing maned horses. Known for their toughness and stamina they flourished and spread northward and eastward.

The Spanish Mustangs are strong-willed with a strong sense of self-preservation.

Used for cowhorses the erstwhile Spanish Horses, now called "Spanish Mustangs", helped to drive the Longhorn cattle to market.

These Spanish descendants in buffalo hunting and cattle drives once again utilized the prowess shown in the bullrings of Spain and Portugal. Inherited "cow sense" was and still is one of the traits for which the Spanish Mustang is famous.

As the range was fenced and cattle domesticated the Spanish Mustang was almost crossbred out of existence. Spanish mares were crossed with Thoroughbred stallions to create the Quarter Horse breed. But the original Spanish Mustang was still valued by those that used them and knew their capabilities.

Known for their toughness and endurance, today's Spanish Mustangs are competing well in endurance and competitive riding. They are well represented nationally in these fields and in the past few years have received national acclaim for their achievements. Especially well suited for long distances of 100 miles per day and/or multi-day rides of 250 miles overall, the Spanish Mustang is once again proving the inheritance of his Spanish ancestors.

"Zipper" (#2308), a Red Roan Stallion with classic Red Corn markings.

Found in a spectrum of colors, not only are the basic colors of bay, chestnut and black represented, but the more rare colors are found as well as appaloosa and paint patterns, including the mystical Medicine Hat. Height varies from 13.2 to 15.2 hands. A balanced horse, they are never heavily muscled and possess outstanding feet and legs. Short backs enhance their weight carrying capacity. The facial profile again reflects their Spanish ancestry with the majority showing a somewhat convex profile is occasionally found. The mouth is shallow with refined muzzle and crescent shaped nostrils. Ears are curved and notched. Throatlatch is well defined with a moderate length neck blending nicely into well-defined withers. The neck of both sexes tends to be well arched, another indication of the Spanish ancestry. The chest is of medium width with a definite vee between the forelegs. Legs are strong with short and sturdy cannons. Chestnuts are small and smooth and may be absent on the rear legs. Ergots are small or absent. Spanish Mustangs are remarkably free of hoof and leg problems. The heart girth is deep; the croup rounded with hipbone well set in. Tail set is medium to low. Manes and tails are usually full with many individuals possessing double manes. Rear legs are set well under contributing to agility. Many Spanish mustangs are inherently gaited and in addition to the normal gaits, do a lateral pace or "Paso".

Dispositions are even with exceptional learning capacity. Many are extremely competitive and enjoy racing and other equine competitive events. The Spanish Mustang Registry is a growing organization and conducts a yearly June meeting in various parts of the United States, thus facilitating attendance of members from all areas of the country.

Trail rides and/or sanctioned endurance rides are normally a part of this annual occurrence. An award program within the Spanish Mustang Registry is an incentive for owners to promote their horses in all equine fields. The yearly meetings are held not only for the conduct of the necessary Registry business but also provide an opportunity for the renewal of old friendships and the making of now ones.

The Spanish Mustang Registry welcomes all participants and enthusiasts. It is now necessary to own a horse to become a member. Members are entitled to various publications throughout the year, which includes the annual magazine as well as quarterly newsletters.

For more information, contact: Marye Ann Thompson / HCR 3, Box 7670 / Willcox, AZ 85643 (520) 384-2886