~ Breed History ~
This is a work in progress that will have additional information posted as it becomes available Check back for valuable information coming from our historian!
Spanish Type Mustangs
These were the very first "Kiger Mustangs." These dun mustangs were found during the clearing of Riddle HMA in 1976. The following year, the famous Beatty Butte '27' were found. While the 27 horses of Spanish Mustang type got the most press, it was these initial 7 horses found in Riddle HMA that first confirmed to Bill Phillips and E. Ron Harding that the dun colored Spanish Mustang did indeed exist in southeast Oregon. Click on images to see larger versions.
The Early BLM Management Plan
The shaping and developing the "modern" Kiger Mustang. This section is under construction.
1996 BLM Management Plan
This section contains photos, excerpts and the complete 1996 BLM Management Plan for the horses residing in Kiger and Riddle HMAs. Click on the links to go to each area. We have placed this on our website as a means to supply factual data regarding the selection and management of the Kiger Mustang under BLM's care. It is our understanding that this is the current Management Plan in force today.
At this time, the pages of the plan are only available on this site as scanned images. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to individuals who cannot view Internet images.
Herd Management Plan Excerpts
Excerpt 1
Shows that Kiger and Riddle HMAs are designated as an 'Area of Critical Environmental Concern'. It also shows that the "primary management goal of the Kiger Mustang ACEC is to perpetuate and protect the conformation and dun factor color characteristics".
Excerpt 2
Shows how and when horses from Kiger/Riddle will be gathered. Note the first paragraph, which states that "Gatherings will be conducted in a manner that will support accomplishing both horse habitat and horse herd objectives..." (i.e. cull (removing) horses that do not fall within the herd objectives.)
Excerpt 3
Continues with the gather protocol for horses in Kiger/Riddle. Note at the end of the paragraph it states, "A few animals may be relocated to other HMAs."
Excerpt 4
States that fences are maintained by grazing permittees.
Excerpt 5
States which gates will be open or closed at any given time. Also note the last paragraph that talks about horses leaving the Riddle HMA.
Excerpt 6
Shows the Objectives set for the horses within the Kiger and Riddle HMAs, including herd size and horse colors.
Excerpt 7
A continuation of the Objectives set for the horses within the Kiger and Riddle HMAs, specifically horse markings, height and other physical characteristics.
Excerpt 8
A continuation of the Objectives set for the horses within the Kiger and Riddle HMAs, including sex ratio, exchanges between HMAs and the monitoring plan.
Excerpt 9
From the 1996 ACEC document covering the Kiger & Riddle HMAs. ACEC stands for 'Area of Critical Environmental Concern'.
1996 Riddle & Kiger Herd Management Plan
Photos
These photos were included in the ACEC to demonstrate the characteristics of the Kiger Mustang. We apologize for the poor quality of reproduction. They are copies of copies. All comments accompanying the photos are from the BLM. Click on images to see larger versions.
