The ancestors of the Kiger Mustang once came to America with Spanish immigrants. The Kiger Mustang's genetic makeup is partly traced back to the Portuguese Sorraia. They were first discovered on Beatys Butte in 1977. In this inaccessible area in southeastern Oregon, they remained largely isolated and retained their genetic makeup. They are the most homogenous wild herd in the USA. Unlike other Mustangs, they exhibit many characteristics of the original Spanish Mustang, having remained unaffected by domestic horses.
The Bureau of Land Management (BML) moved the remaining 30 animals to two more accessible and fenced areas to protect them from extinction: the Kiger Herd Management Area (HMA) and the Riddle HMA. To improve genetic diversity, the BML also introduced mustangs with kiger traits to these areas and occasionally transfers horses between the two HMAs. At the last count in 2014, there were just under 200 horses in the two HMAs. A round-up takes place every four years. Adoption prices often reach four figures in the bidding process.
All Kiger Mustangs possess the dun gene, meaning dun, grulla (mouse gray), and rarely red dun and black. They are of the Iberian type, with a noble, often convex head and a broad chest with a beautifully set, powerful neck. Their back is short, and their sloping, well-muscled croup ends in a low-set tail. Their legs are strong, and their hooves are hard. Their distinctive features are the eel stripe, their bicolored and often long mane and tail, zebra stripes on their legs, and framed, striped ears. They reach a height of 145–155 cm.
The Kiger Mustang is intelligent and even-tempered. He is also very particular about his owner. The Kiger is a loyal and courageous companion with a strong herding instinct. These qualities require appropriate care and fair treatment. They are suitable for all disciplines of equestrianism.