- AANHCP > Our Model ~ The Free Roaming Horse
"Great", you may say, "A mustang, but I have a thoroughbred and we live in Liverpool, so how on earth is a pony in America relevant to my horses hooves ?"
Well you're probably not the only one with this question and this page is an attempt to explain the very relevant similaraties and importance of the connection, so stick with it and keep reading! It's pretty straighforward.
- Mustangs are not a native American breed. Important FACT.
- Mustangs are escaped European stock (ie horses like ours) imported by the Spanish 500 years ago and other escaped equines too including donkeys, draft horses, mules etc. All sorts. To see such horses and how simular they are to our horses click here.
- The horse as a species (not a breed) spent the main parts of it's evolution on the American Continent. 55 million years.
- The point being that the American Continent shaped the modern horse. Our horses are a product of that land.
- The horses that escaped 500 years ago didn't die off as expected, they thrived and multiplied. They were a huge sucess !
- The horse had returned home. This arid, harsh environment provides ideal conditions for the horse. The mustang horses have continued along their evolutionary path. The land alone is looking after these horses. They are totally self maintaining, hooves and all !
- Conclusion: European Stock + Natural Environment= Thriving Healthy Horses
This is the Vital Mission of the AANHCP. To return natural health to the domestic equine by valuing and promoting their inherited physiology through education and evidence.