Author: Robert Martin, Ranch Broker | Licensed in NM, CO
From ancient origins in the American West to their complicated role on today’s rangelands, the story of the horse in North America is far more intricate than most people realize. This species evolved here, disappeared during a massive extinction event, returned with Spanish explorers, and reshaped the cultures and economies of the continent. Their influence spans everything from Indigenous history to settlement patterns, livestock production, and modern conservation.
Yet the mustang’s celebrated image stands in sharp contrast to the challenges these animals now present on fragile landscapes. Questions of ecological impact, land management, and cultural identity collide in a debate that continues to intensify across the West.
If you want to understand how a single species can ignite controversy, influence policy, and shape the health of shared rangelands, this story offers valuable insight. Click below to explore the full article.