Kiger Mesteno Association

Kiger Mustangs! No other horse today is quite like the Kiger Mustang, if fact or legend. Stunning beauty and spirit. Primitive markings. Beautiful dun factor coloring. All add up to an equine that stands out in any crowd.

In 1971 the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act was passed by Congress to protect all wild horses and burros on public lands. The Bureau of Land Management was given the responsibility to protect, manage and control these wild populations.

In order to keep the herds at manageable levels roundups, or gatherings, were held periodically. They are still being held today. At this time they are counted, branded and examined. Excess animals are offered for adoption to the public, and the rest are returned to the range.

In 1977, during one of the gatherings in the remote area of Beatty's Butte, Oregon, a particular kind of horse was discovered. BLM Wild Horse Specialist, E. Ron Harding, while inspecting the herd, noticed that a number of these horses were strikingly similar in color and conformation. Upon closer observation, he ascertained that they carried the primitive markings of the Spanish mustangs.

Mr. Harding arranged for these horses to be separated from the rest and held at the Burns District facility in Oregon. A suitable area was chosen to release these animals into. To prevent losing all the horses to a natural catastrophe, two Herd Management Areas, (HMA's) were selected in southeastern Oregon. Twenty of the horses were released in the Kiger HMA and seven in the Riddle HMA.

Kiger Mustangs are an established breed. Spanish markers were found in their blood during genetic testing by the University of Kentucky.

They carry the dominant genes which code for the primitive dun factor coloration and markings.

Dun factor horses are most commonly identified as duns and grullas. Dun factor markings include: dorsal stripe, jack stripe, zebra strips on legs, arm bars, bicolored mane and tail, ears with dark outline and fawn colored interior, facial mask and cobwebbing.

The Kiger Mustang averages about 14.2 to 15.2 hand in height. The ears are finely pointed and slightly hooked at the tip. Head is medium in size and clean cut with prominent eyes and a fine muzzle. Body conformation is distinctive with good chest depth and well muscled. The back is short, broad and moderately muscled. Dense bone, compact hooves and a well-crested neck round out this unique and tough horse.

The are agile, remarkably intelligent, courageous and bold. At the same time Kiger Mustangs are gentle, calm and are very willing to please. They have a regal carriage and high step fit for a king. With athletic ability, stamina and endurance combined with sure footedness they are versatile. Pleasure, trail, performance, endurance, driving, packing, cutting - they can do it all.

The Kiger Mesteno Association was founded in July 1988 to protect and preserve these rare remaining wild mustangs and their counterpart in captivity. A registry and Standard of Perfection have been established for Kiger and half-Kiger horses. With growing interest in this exceptional breed their continued survival is assured.

Centuries ago, the Conquistadors sailed to the New World with horses. Since the time their rugged steeds set foot in America they have remained a legend.

Throughout the conquest of the West mustangs have carried the Native American, the Cowboy, the Vaquero, the Explorer and the Pioneer through all the glories of their careers. History in the flesh.

Intertwined all along the way with the story of our nation, it is no wonder the Kiger Mustang has received the title "A Living Genetic Treasure."

For the horse lover seeking a beautiful equine possessing primitive markings, outstanding color, spirited, but gentle, temperament (called "The Fire Within"), the first choice, the only choice - is the Kiger Mustang.