A Mustang is a free-roaming feral horse of the North American west. It first descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Due to its image as the wild horse of the west, possessing hardiness, grace, speed, and independence, the name "Mustang" is popular for high-performance products and sports mascots.
In 1971, the United States Congress recognized Mustangs as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” Today, Mustang herds vary in the degree to which they can be traced to original Iberian horses. Some contain a greater genetic mixture of ranch stock and more recent breed releases, others are relatively unchanged from the original Iberian stock, most strongly represented in the most isolated populations.