Mustangs are not a specific breed of horse; the term derives from the Spanish word "mestengo," which means "wild" or "feral." A true mustang grows up wild, is born wild, and survives through natural selection. During the first three years of its life, a mustang develops its senses, lives in a herd with a lead mare and a stallion, and learns the behavior and dynamics of the group. Depending on gender and maturity, young mustangs later find their own way. This harsh selection forms the basis for a mustang's health and robustness.

Through natural selection, weaker and sicker animals die earlier, allowing only the strongest and healthiest to survive. Real mustangs are often identified by a freeze mark on the left side of their neck. However, horses born in holding facilities and foals captured with their mothers also receive this mark.

Ride the Brand mediates horses that have experienced natural selection and are therefore usually at least four years old. These animals often have an advantage as they have already developed their natural robustness and wilderness-shaped abilities. Also they go through a screening by a mustang expert, to see if they have the natural curiosity it takes to become a good partner!

If you prefer a younger horse, or a horse that has been in the facility a long time, that is also possible and there is nothing wrong with this!

Keep in mind, a mustang you find on your own could turn out to be a gamble, especially if years have passed between its capture and the current time. Horses from second-hand sources and not directly from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) often make it difficult to trace their exact history. Many self-proclaimed horse trainers offer such mustangs, which often leads to disappointing and costly experiences if the horse is traumatized and difficult to handle. I am not saying you should not buy such a horse, but you should know what you are getting into!