3 Commonly Believed Myths About American Mustangs
While horses were the backbone of early America, modern society has since replaced them with cars and other similar technological advancements. As a result, most people don’t understand free roaming horses or the problems they face. However, Deb Lee Carson has become an expert in America’s wild horses and offers wild horse photos for sale. Here are three commonly believed myths about American mustangs to help you understand these beautiful creatures.
American Mustangs Aren’t American
This myth refers to the origins of wild horses in North America. Scientists widely believe the “Spanish Theory,” which states that ancestors of the wild mustang were found in North America but eventually went extinct. Then, when Europeans began to colonize America—the Spanish being the first—they would occasionally lose their domesticated horses. The Spanish Theory points towards a crashed ship that left many horses swimming to shore and re-entering nature as the origin of the American mustang. The scientists believe enough horses escaped to form the beginnings of what would be today’s wild horse population. On the contrary, there is ample evidence that says otherwise. Wild mustangs roamed the ranges of America long before we ever showed up.
Wild Mustangs Don’t Harm the Environment
Wild mustangs can decimate an ecosystem if left unmanaged in today’s landscape due to human obstacles like fences. Like any wild animal, if its population goes unchecked, it will eventually devour its environment before it has a chance to regrow naturally. A range with an overpopulation of wild mustangs can resemble little more than a desert after some time. A properly managed herd ensures that America’s ranges stay lush and healthy. Wild mustangs deserve as much care and attention as any other animal rather than being considered a problem to be “solved.”
Horses are Slaughtered To Manage Herds
A commonly believed myth about American mustangs stems from not understanding what it means to manage wild horse populations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not sell or send horses to slaughter. On the very rare occasion, euthanasia may be used on a case by case basis if the situation is dire and there are no other options to save the animals life. The BLM prefers and encourages alternatives, such as adoption to qualified adoptees. The BLM routinely updates the limits for how many horses an individual or organization can buy if a horse falls under the three strike rule or is older than ten, and enforces trailer requirements; this is to prevent the adoption of wild horses by those who slaughter them. These limits also ensure the horses receive humane treatment.
