Running Free - A Wild Horse Tale

Wild Horse Tutorial - Module 6

Module 6 - Security/Survival

Security

The protector of the family band is the stallion. He is constantly on the lookout for danger and predators. He typically sounds the alarm for when danger is near, and moves to the back of the band to drive them away from the danger. The lead mare leads the band to safety while the band stallion protects them from behind. He may even turn around and face the danger head on.

Survival

Living in the wild is survival of the fittest. The mustangs are very adaptable, and thus have been able to survive in the hard desert climates where domestic horses would not be able to. In the summer, they must travel long distances in search of food and water. They dig with their hooves into the mud of dried up water holes in search of water. There is no shade in the desert, and the ground is very hard. In the winter, they must withstand freezing and below freezing temperatures, as well as blizzards. They dig through the snow to find grass, and break the ice to find water with their hooves.

To survive the long harsh winters, mustangs develop a long, thick winter coat to keep out the cold. They start to develop their winters coats during the fall when the day light hours begin to diminish. They do not shed their winter coats until spring, when day light hours begin to increase again. When storms approach, mustangs seek what shelter they can find. Trees, bushes, hill sides work well. They turn their rumps towards the brunt of the storm and drop their heads.

Mustangs are smaller than domestic horses. They do not eat as well as domestic horses because food is hard to find. A large stallion will weigh 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) compared to an average domestic horse of 1,200 pounds (545 kilograms). The average mustang weighs from 650-1000 pounds (295-454 kilograms). Mustangs are also shorter than domestic horses. Mustangs range from 13-15 hands (52 inches/132 centimeters - 60 inches/152 centimeters). Horses are measured in the number of hands at the height of the withers. One hand equals four inches (10 centimeters). Withers are where the neck connects into the back.

Photo Courtesy of The Ultimate Horse ©1991