Mustang

a general name for the wild horses of the pampas and prairies. They are descended from horses brought to the New World by the Spaniards. The term mustang is used chiefly from Mexico southward among Spanish-speaking people. In the Northwest mustangs are known as Indian ponies or broncos. The name cayuse (ki-us), also in use, belongs properly to the ponies of the Cayuse Indians of the northern Rocky Mountains. Broncos are tough, wiry horses of small size. Bronco "busting," or breaking to the saddle, is an operation in which the cowboy takes great pride. The animal is caught with a lasso and thrown to the ground, a saddle is strapped on its back, the rider takes his seat, and the wild, thoroughly terrified animal is given its head. It usually springs to its feet and attempts to throw its rider by every possible trick, especially by "bucking" or leaping into the air and coming down on all four legs held stiff. It rears, it plunges, falls down, rolls over, and attempts in every way to dislodge its rider. Once broken in, however, a bronco is a valuable saddle animal, able to subsist on scant forage and to carry its rider with a tireless lope for hours at a time. It was much employed in scouting, and for cavalry mounts, and has long been a favorite herder's horse. Broncos are broken to the harness as well, but seldom become entirely gentle.