Mustangs--Spirit of the Shrinking West, February, 2009 National Geographic Magazine

Mustangs are a mythic symbol of heroism, romance and the vanishing West. Wild horses roam with increased pressures on their freedom. The Bureau of Land Management oversees herds running on dry desert lands. Stallions battle, mares watch foals play. Social hierarchy is apparent at the waterhole where dominant horses drink first. Reserves and sanctuaries care for unwanted horses some with DNA linking them to herds of Spanish Conquistadors. Adopted mustangs are loyal when trained.

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Created 4 May 2009 | Last updated 4 Dec 2011

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