Spanish Mustang article

[angelsdream]

Did any of you happen to read the Spanish Mustang article in The Horse magazine this month? It doesn't mention the kiger, but is a great article to read. Basically tells of how the spanish mustang came about and how great they are as an overall horse. I really enjoyed it.

[fantasykiger]

You know I got the Horse Illustrated sitting on my table and have yet to get to it just managed and gander at the pretty pictures on quick look thru' I do however have it on my list of things to do when I get some time to sit down and give the articles a good read.

[canadiankigers]

Angel,

Is there any chance you could scan it and post it here for us to read too?

[angelsdream]

Hi - Yes I will scan it in this evening so everyone can read it..no problem

[barbhorses]

That article was for registered Spanish Mustangs in the SMR. The majority of Spanish Mustang and Colonial Spanish horse owners have never considered the Kiger Mustang to be a true Spanish horse. This is due to the Kiger's history, conformation, as well as genetic report. This of course is no bash against the Kiger. Just letting you know why the Kiger Mustang was not mentioned.

[fantasykiger]

There is a brief explanation of the Spanish Mustang breed on the Horse Ill. website horsechannel.com this is the link www.horsechannel.com/horse-breeds/spanish-mustang.aspx if you would like to look that over until you can see the full article.

[barbhorses]

"The Spanish Mustang is not to be confused with the Mustangs managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Although the two horses have similar qualities because of their Spanish ancestry, the Spanish Mustang has been selectively bred to maintain the most original qualities of its predecessors." - explains it well enough.

There is a lot of controversy with the SM due to horses that were registered... so much so that I don't hold much of a grand opinion of the SMR or any of the other CS registries. So, I wouldn't worry about it. Then again, most of you that know me over the message boards all these years know that I am very anal about "purity". Most of my friends off the board think I get a bit over the top when excluding horses. I have discovered that my reasons for getting into the "Sulphurs" differs much from why other people have gotten into them or other types of American Spanish and Spanish influenced horses.

[canadiankigers]

Back in the spring, I received an email that was followed up by a phone call. It was from a rather nice gentleman from Alberta who owned Spanish Mustangs. His explanation for not recognizing the Kiger as a pure breed was due to what I refer to as a nasty rumor. Apparently there are people out there that believe a Q-Horse stallion was put out on one or both of the HMA's and that the Kiger has some Q-Horse blood in them. I did a bit of research but could not find any documentation on this subject. I was hoping to be able to prove the fallacy of this misnomer but unfortunately I could not find the necessary documentation to prove it was not true.
Kelly

[angelsdream]

I got the article scanned in, but couldn't figure out how to get it posted on the board. I scanned it in under Adobe, so if any of you would like the article emailed to you, I could do that. Just shoot me an email and I'd be glad to email it to you. Sorry I couldnt figure it out.

[canadiankigers]

Unfortunately, you cannot upload adobe files on this board. Can you send it in another form like bitmap, jpeg or png?

[barbhorses]

It is more than that... the Kigers conformation has many different breed types present. I don't think it is a bad thing. They are Mustangs after all. They also do not fall into the Iberian breed group genetically. I asked Dr. Cothran about this a while ago and he stated that the Kigers show Spanish Markers in their DNA, but they did not show enough of them to warrant them being placed genetically as an Iberian breed. Basically, he said that any horse who has Spanish influence will show Spanish Markers.

Kelly, I have also heard about the QH stallion. I have also heard about TB studs etc. I even heard from a very old man who use to breed Sulphurs that a man brought 4 Sulphurs up to Oregon and turned them loose. From my own research, I discovered that the NW had many different breeds present. There was a minimal amount of Spaniards going north and brought their Spanish horses with them. The non Iberian breeds were in higher numbers than the Spanish. The Spanish horses were in the minority is what I am saying. The Kiger I have seen comes in a somewhat Araby looking horse, to old style Morgan (my fav type of Morgan!), QH, TB, and some Spanish features. I wouldn't personally consider them a Spanish breed due to the history of the NW, the Kigers conformation, and that they do not fall into the Iberian breed group genetically. I still think that they are nice horses of course. I love all horses. I have a few favorites in the breed myself

I really wouldn't concern yourselves if the SMR thinks that your horses are Spanish... after all.. they have registered Nevada Mustangs in which we all know is the most mixed bred Mustang of them all. So, I really wouldn't put much into SMR registration. I was thinking about having my horse inspected at the SMR meeting this coming year will be in Oregon.. but it just wouldn't be worth the trouble and expense just to have yet another registry tell me what I already know about my horse. Two reasons I would want my horse registered SMR is that the SMR owns the market in Europe and the Europeans will not import a horse whom does not have SMR registration and also my horse has 3 foals by SMR stallions (not my choice. She was bred twice before I got her and I leased her out as I am in school).

Just from my own observations, I think that Kiger folks should focus on keeping that famous temperament they are known for and breed for shorter backs and stronger hind quarters.

Perhaps a look at Iberian conformation will enlighten people on the board for what to look for in breeding more Iberian type Kigers. The genetics are there for certain, just have to get the right traits out so that the Iberian type is more expressed.

[fantasykiger]

Very well said barbhorses...I don't think that Kiger Mustangs need to be labeled Spanish Mustangs. I think it is great they got a little Spanish influence with the Spanish markers. I do however believe they should stand on their own as a breed, at his point.