Horses of the American West

 

A cowboy’s life on the range wasn’t easy. Without his horse it would have been impossible, making stealing a man’s mount a hanging offense.Many of the cowboys’ horses came from captured mustangs which made up a large portion of the remuda on cattle drives. Half-broke, half-wild, the mustangs were small, fast and sturdy. 

Also popular among cowboys were American Quarter Horses. They were highly prized for their intelligence, calm dispositions, speed and sturdy bodies. Besides working cattle, these equines were also used to pull wagons. 

While a cowboy’s life wasn’t easy, neither was the life of his horse. The horses had to depend on what the prairie offered for their food and water. Oats were used occasionally as a treat but not a staple.

Horses in the Wild West dated back to the 1500s when they were brought over by the Spaniards. Notably the Palomino; the buckskin which would later become a cowboy favorite; and the appaloosa.

     When the Spaniards left, the horses survived and thrived because of the Native Americans who cared for them and bred them, finding their lives suddenly much easier because of the horses. They used them for traveling, hunting and to move their portable lodges, previously dragged by dogs, whenever they relocated. 

The Native Americans became exceptional horse men. The Nez Perce known for their Appaloosas, their horses of choice.

Pony Express riders favored Morgans. These equines were also used by the cavalry during the civil war. They’re a smaller horse, hard-working and friendly.

These diverse breeds helped men shape the West as we know it. Where would cowboys and/or Native Americans have been without these magnificent companions? Can you imagine a cowboy without his horse or for that matter a world without horses in it? I can’t.

 

For more cowboy trivia: https://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com.

 

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