The Mustang has a dense, thick coat that is naturally adapted to harsh weather. Its mane and tail are full and require regular detangling. The body is typically slight and agile, built for endurance rather than bulk.45
Mustangs are intelligent, alert and cautious by nature, with a strong survival instinct. They can be independent and wary of strangers, but once a bond of trust is formed, they become willing, loyal and quick to learn. They are best suited to experienced handlers who can offer patient, consistent training.243
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mustangs need daily turnout for physical and mental health, plus regular exercise suited to their fitness level. They excel at endurance riding, trail riding, ranch work, reining, dressage and barrel racing. A predictable routine with social contact is important.26
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Grooming is straightforward: brush a few times a week with a curry comb, dandy brush and mane brush, and bathe as needed. Hooves should be checked daily and cleaned with a hoof pick. A qualified farrier should trim and shoe hooves regularly. Mustangs often have tough hooves that can go barefoot.24
Home where they are happiest
Mustangs need secure, tall fencing and shelter from extreme weather. They do best with access to pasture grazing, but care must be taken with lush grass as they are easy keepers. A dry, clean stable or run-in shed provides necessary protection.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feed a forage-first diet of good quality hay and grass, with mineral and vitamin supplements. Mustangs have an efficient metabolism and gain weight easily, so avoid rich, sugary feeds. Concentrates are only needed for intense work. Provide about 2% of body weight in forage daily.24
Company who they like around
Mustangs are herd animals and need social contact with other horses. They thrive with consistent handling and clear boundaries. Newly adopted wild Mustangs require an experienced trainer and a patient handling plan before anything else.263
The story where it all began
The Mustang descends from horses brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Over centuries, these horses escaped or were released, forming free-roaming herds across the Western United States. They are feral, not truly wild, as they descend from domesticated animals. By the early 20th century, herds had shrunk dramatically, but conservation efforts and the Bureau of Land Management now help manage and protect them. Today, Mustangs can be adopted from the BLM or bought from breeders, and they are valued for their hardiness, intelligence and historical significance.127
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mustang. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterHay or grazing most of the day, fresh water alwaysevery day
Pick out hoovesPick out the hooves every dayevery day
GroomingA quick groom also lets you spot cuts and swellingsevery day
TurnoutDaily time out with company, horses are herd animalsevery day
Muck outevery day
Farrier visitTrim or shoes about every 6 to 8 weeks, as your farrier advisesevery 6 weeks
Teeth brushingDental check by a vet or equine dentistevery year
Flea, tick and worm protectionWorming as your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.
You need
4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
2 cups water
2 tsp baking powder
1 ¾ cups flour
2 tsp cinnamon
How
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Allow to cool completely before feeding.
How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Mustang, and what should it eat?
Feed your Mustang a forage-first diet of good quality hay and grass daily, providing about 2% of its body weight in forage. Mustangs have an efficient metabolism and gain weight easily, so avoid rich, sugary feeds; concentrates are only needed for intense work. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.24Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Mustang?
Avoid feeding your Mustang foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, avocado, and xylitol, as these are dangerous for pets. Also keep it away from lush grass, as Mustangs are easy keepers and can gain weight too quickly.238
How much space and land does a Mustang need?
Mustangs need secure, tall fencing and access to pasture grazing, but care must be taken with lush grass since they are easy keepers. They do best with daily turnout for physical and mental health, so aim for enough space to roam and exercise.236
What kind of shelter does a Mustang need?
Provide a dry, clean stable or run-in shed to protect your Mustang from extreme weather. Shelter should be secure and offer a comfortable place to rest, as they are adapted to harsh conditions but still need protection.23
How do I look after a Mustang's hooves or feet?
Check your Mustang's hooves daily and clean them with a hoof pick. A qualified farrier should trim and shoe hooves regularly, and Furry Diary's starting plan suggests farrier visits every 42 days. Mustangs often have tough hooves that can go barefoot.24Furry Diary plan
Does a Mustang need grooming or shearing?
Grooming is straightforward: brush a few times a week with a curry comb, dandy brush and mane brush, and bathe as needed. Mustangs have a dense, thick coat adapted to harsh weather, so shearing is not typically needed.245
Can a Mustang live alone?
Mustangs are herd animals and need social contact with other horses, so they should not live alone. They thrive with consistent handling and clear boundaries, and a companion horse is important for their well-being.263
How long does a Mustang live?
Mustangs typically live between 25 and 36 years, so they are a long-term commitment. With proper care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.23
Is a Mustang good with children?
Mustangs are best suited to experienced handlers due to their cautious and independent nature. While they can become loyal and quick to learn once trust is built, they may not be ideal for children without careful supervision and training.243
What regular vet care does a Mustang need?
Your Mustang needs annual dental check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's starting plan includes yearly teeth care and parasite prevention on a vet-guided schedule. Always consult your vet for a tailored health plan.2Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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