The Kiger Horse story began in the early 1970's when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discovered about 27 horses in a remote area of southeastern Oregon. They gathered the horses and brought them to the Burns, Oregon holding facility and discovered that there was something very important in what they had found. The horses were strikingly similar in that they exhibited the "dun factor," unusual primitive markings of striping on the legs, lined backs, and dun, grulla, claybank coloration. They also show Spanish characteristics, all of which tells much of the ancient, ancestral beginnings.
It really doesn't matter they they have Spanish ancestry, but they they had been managed by the BLM for many years showing that they quality of these horses have brought a demand from across the country, not to mention promoting the adoptability of the wild horse in general.
One such stallion, "Steens Kiger" who was adopted through the BLM's adoption program has consistently produced quality foals with gentle dispositions. For without knowing this horse, the effort may not have been made to promote and protect the Kigers. This horse had made the Kiger name well known across the nation and in Europe as well for his friendly curiosity, beauty and proud spirit. "Steens Kiger" stirs the heart of every horse lover. He has inspired the establishment of the Steens Kiger Breed.
The Kiger horses are thought to be the purest Spanish Mustang in North America. The Kiger Mustangs of Oregon are descended from the original Spanish horses brought to the Americans centuries ago and are considered the purest of the breeds in existence. With bloodline verification performed by the University of Kentucky in 1989, and DNA analyses done in Germany in 1996-97, show they clustered closely with the Sorraias. And according to the German testing, with what they know so far, the Kiger herd seems to be the most that contains the most Soraia Mustangs. These horses are now fully registered with the Steens Mt. Kiger Registry in the United States, and some of the Kigers tested in Germany have been registered in the German Sorraia Mustang Studbook. These rare horses are attracting worldwide attention.
Discovery in the 1970's by the bureau of Land Management and carefully protected, these horses display unusual primitive markings such as faint zebra striping on their lets, a dorsal stripe and outlined ears, all of which tells much of their ancient, ancestral beginnings.
To see the splendor of these horses in their natural habitat will stir the hear of every horse lover. Pictures
