Birth of the Breed
In the mid-1950’s a group of dedicated men met to form an organization for the purpose of preserving the last of the true, old-type Spanish Mustangs, a breed that once roamed the western part of the United States in great numbers but was now threatened with extinction. The efforts of Robert E. Brislawn of Oshoto, Wyoming, were the primary moving force that brought this group together.To preserve the breed, Brislawn collected individual animals that he considered the best examples of the breed. He chose his stock carefully, culling out those he believed less than ideal.
The name “Spanish Mustang” was agreed upon as the most descriptive of the breed and the Spanish Mustang Registry was born. Noted for its stamina and toughness, both in fact and in legend, this breed truly shows its Spanish inheritance in its ability to survive and multiply where other breeds would have perished. Considered to be finest in the known world at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Americas, the Spanish horses left in their tough, hardy descendants a legacy that endures to this day. Once the horses were left in the Americas, their heads grew larger, the ears longer, their eyesight acuter, and they developed a great sense of direction. They were greatly changed in conformation through feral life and feed, acquiring over time qualities not found in the domesticated horse.
The Spanish horse has had a profound influence on many breeds. Today’s Spanish Mustang retains those qualities that allowed the Spaniards to conquer a new world. Today, fewer than 3000 Spanish Mustang horses remain. Already threatened, without focused efforts to retain a broadcross section of the Spanish Mustang Registry's foundation bloodlines, the breed will become extinct. It is critical this breed survive as a living, visual example of the history of the founding of America.
Resource Library
Caballos de Destino–A Vanishing Breed
by Karen Parker
Following just a few of the Spanish Mustangs bred by Sharron Scheikofsky and Dave Reynolds resulted in 32 pages with over 100 images. Download the story below.
Earliest Historical Account of Iberian Horses
by Peter C. Elder
Great research that was included in the 2017 SMR Annual. Download the story below.
Spanish Mustang Radio Podcasts
by Win Brookhouse
For anyone interested in the Spanish Mustang Horse. Spanish Mustang Radio talks to breeders, trainers, preservationists and owners of these wonderful horses. There are stories and personal histories with dozens of replays already posted.
Photo Galleries
THE HISTORIC CAYUSE RANCH–Home of the Spanish Mustang Registry (Oshoto, Wyoming)
Images Courtesy of Josie Brislawn
Enjoy these historic images from the Cayuse Ranch, home of the SMR. Nearly 100 Foundation Spanish Mustangs are now available for all to see! Thank you, Josie Brislawn, for sharing your personal photo albums and memories...scanning all of these great photos over those long winter nights in remote Oshoto, Wyoming. The fading polaroids will take you back in time. Enjoy the nostalgic ride. Note: Horse color terminology has changed over the years so the colors indicated are the colors used at the time of registration. A buckskin with a dorsal stripe would be registered as a dun today.
GALLERY ONE
GALLERY TWO
GALLERY THREE
MARE GALLERY
