Characteristics of the Spanish Mustang The facial profile again reflects their Spanish ancestry with the majority showing a somewhat convex profile though a straight profile is occasionally found. The mouth is shallow with refined muzzle and crescent shaped nostrils. Ears are curved and notched. Throatlatch is well defined with a moderate length neck blending nicely into well-defined withers. The neck of both sexes tends to be well arched, another indication of the Spanish ancestry. The chest is of medium width with a definite "vee" between the forelegs. Legs are strong with short and sturdy, round cannons. Chestnuts are small and smooth and may be absent on the rear legs. Ergots are small or absent. Spanish Mustangs are remarkably free of hoof and leg problems. The heart girth is deep, the croup rounded with hipbone well set in. Spanish Mustangs also have one less lumbar vertebrae as the Arab does. Tail set is medium to low. Manes and tails are usually full with many individuals possessing double manes. Rear legs are set well under contributing to agility. Many Spanish Mustangs are inherently gaited and in addition to the normal gaits, do a lateral pace or paso. Dispositions are even with exceptional learning capacity. There are only three breeders in Europe; who aim to introduce the Spanish Mustang and its amazing abilities, stamina and docile character to the Europeans. They are located in the UK, Ireland and here in Brittany. Having only arrived in December, Pors an Lunet Spanish Mustang Stud, Bulat Pestivien, near Callac in Dept 22 is still very much in its infancy. There is much work to be done to ensure that the surroundings are suitable and safe for their Mustangs but Rowan and Mark Stanford are more than happy to introduce visitors to their ponies. They also have two Lipizzaners on their farm, another rare breed, as well as a rescued New Forest Filly and an Arab Mare. They are in the process of rescuing two more Spanish Mustang mares from the USA. They are hoping to renovate a building on their farm into a Gite to allow visitors to spend time with the Mustangs in as much of a natural environment as possible For more information on these fascinating rare ponies do visit:spanishmustang.uk.org or spanishmustang.org Rowan and Mark can be contacted on 0296 45.77.78 or email info@spanishmustangstud.com Information obtained with thanks to the Brislawn Family, Spanish Mustang Registry and members. Back>>