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Wild horses are only fully grown when they are 4 to 7 years old. In spring and summer they grow at a normal rate but, during fall and winter, they have barely any food resulting in a slow growing rate.

During cold weather they need all of their energy to keep their bodies warm. Their exterior varies and often reveals which bloodlins are dominant. Some herds have characteristics of the Quarter horse, others look more like other breeds, for example the Thoroughbred, Arabian or Morgan. Also, the colors differ; some herds have mainly spotted horses, while others mostly have bay horses. Wild horses have strong legs which are stronger than those of other horses. The hooves are stronger than average because they have to be able to run through every kind of terrain without any type of shoes on their hooves.

Mustangs don’t have many uses but if you tame them, they can be very useful saddle horses.

Each herd has two leaders: a mare and a stallion. The mare leads the herd. When the herd is galloping, the stallion is usually at the back to check that all horses are coming along and keeping up with the pace. The stallion protects the herd when there is danger; he will go to the front, ready to challenge any intruder. He is constantly on guard, so the rest of the herd can graze and rest. Young stallions are chased away from the herd when they are two or three years old and the young mares are in season for the first time.

The young stallions soon form their own herds. This is the way nature fights inbreeding.