Not quite.

The term “Mustang” generally refers to the wild horses found in the American West.

Despite some arguments claiming they are “feral,” the distinction lies in their upbringing. If foals are born and grow up in the wild without human interaction, they are considered wild horses.

Throughout the years, various horse breeds have escaped or been released in the Western regions. Some were abandoned when farms faced financial hardships.

These horses include draft horses, Quarter Horses, and other working-type breeds. One particular Western breed is known as the “Western Chunk,” which originated from breeding older types of Quarter Horses with draft horses. While not as massive as Clydesdales, they possess a sturdy, draft-like build. These horses have also been released over time.

Consequently, Mustangs can exhibit a variety of characteristics. Some differ significantly from Quarter Horses or draft breeds, displaying a smaller, wiry, and narrow physique. Others may appear more draft-like, and some resemble the traditional Quarter Horse. A few even resemble the old Western Chunk.

However, most Mustangs do not fit the criteria desired in today’s American Quarter Horse show classes. They often lack delicate heads and may have large, robust feet, which deviates from the current show horse trends