The word mustang comes from the Spanish word, mustengo, which means, “ownerless beast.” The American mustangs originally came from the Spanish stock of horses that were brought to the Americas beginning in the 16th Century. Over time, other kinds of horses banded with wild Spanish horses, including quarter horses, draught horses and others.

Today, when most people use the word “mustangs,” they are probably referring to all wild horses in North America. However, there are specific kinds of mustangs, and they have their own unique breeds.

At Return to Freedom, we have a number of horses that have been proven to be direct descendants of the Spanish stock that came to this country over 400 years ago. You can read more about them in our Conservation section, rare breeds.