Donkey

Horses, donkeys and zebras are all members of the same genus called Equus. The word donkey and ass are used to identify the same animal. Its Latin name is Equus asinus, from where the shortened term ‘ass’ is derived.

Donkeys are descendents of the African wild ass. They were first domesticated by humans in Africa. They are now used around the world as working animals.

It is believed that Egyptians domesticated the donkey around 4000 BC. It is much steadier on its hooves than a horse and, therefore, it is better on trails. It also has a longer life span (twenty-five to fifty years, with many reaching thirty years as well).

The average donkey stands 40 inches at the shoulder, but different breeds vary greatly in size and shape. Donkeys rage from white to gray or black in color. They usually have a dark stripe from the mane to the tail and a crosswise stripe on the shoulder.

Wild donkeys congregate in small groups with transient members. Groups generally consist of bachelor males or females and their immature off-spring. Only mature jacks are solitary.

Donkeys as a dairy species have been known since the Roman age not only for the nutritional value of their milk but also for its beneficial properties in skin care.
Donkey

Mustang horse

Horses are strong animals with good hearing and eyesight. They developed from fox-sized animal called eohippus.

Spaniards first brought horses to the New World in the 1500s. They established breeding ranches in the southwest territories from 1600 to 1700. These horses were dearly thanked for their endurance, stamina and skills, as they worked diligently for the prompt and precise roles as required by explorers.

Today, descendants of the Spanish horses are known as mustangs. This word comes from the Spanish word for a stray horse. A wild horse was called a ‘mesteno’ or ‘mestango’ which was Anglicized to ‘mustang’.

Mustangs were used as cow horses and as army horses. Nearly all pure Spanish Mustangs were gone by 1890 due to slaughter, crossbreeding and castration.

American Mustang stallion 

In the early 1900s, more than 2 million mustangs wandered the western United States. Ranchers valued these horses for their speed and endurance. Spanish mustangs have a tough, independent temperament. They are hardy horses that are built to travel long distance.

The Spanish mustang may have any of the horse colors, with either solid or broken color patterns.

The horse is small, standing 13 to 14-2 hands. This is between 52 and 60 inches. The Spanish Mustang is used for pleasure riding and as a stock and packhorse.

The Spanish mustang is called ‘the horse with a heritage’ because of its rich history and the many hardships it has endured.
Mustang horse