I have to say I've seen some mustangs first hand, both at Palomino Valley in Nevada, one that a neighbor has (got at the age of 8-unbroke), and several BLM mustangs that an old friend had adopted over the years.
With many of them, I'm not really understanding the "ugly" part. The mustangs I've personally seen first had are beautiful. My neighbors mustang, Gypsy she trained. She got her from some folks that did adopt a mustang and then realized that it was not something they could do. Somehow, my neighbor heard about her and bought her. She was totally unbroke and still somewhat wild. She actually put her in a pasture (fenced properly to BLM standards) and worked with her. I had just moved to the area when I met this gal and her horse. I remember wondering why all the "stuff" hanging from the trees, and why all the "stuff" in the pasture. Those turned out to be things she was not comfortable with, yet became accustomed to over time and learned not to fear them. Long story short about Gypsy is that she is extemely gentle, and a very very good and hardy trail horse. She isn't big, but my neighbor prefers small horses for herself and children. Gypsy loves children and has since the first day. She would let the kids approach more often than the adults at first. She rides Gypsy on the trails, and many neighborhood kids ride her too. She was bred last year to an arab stallion and produced a beautiful, well conformed filly. She's very athletic. Personally, I think that cross can be a very good one. I've seen several.
In regards to the ones a friend has adopted over the years, they are varied in looks, size and conformation. They ALL have pretty heads. So I don't understand the "ugly" still.
Some favor the TB, some of hers are small, but tough, others "drafty" looking. I've seen straight legs, nice backs, etc. I believe my friend does have a good eye for a horse.
She also picks up the curly mustangs. Many look kind of drafty too. But good solid bone, and in the case of many stud colts, very calm dispositions.
She also had an arab/mustang cross that went to a good home thankfully and is doing great.
Also, I have a friend who purchased 3 of this other gals mustangs. One was an older "snorty" guy who ended up being a great horse. They use him on cattle roundups and lots of trail riding with the backcountry horsemen. His name is "Abbott"..Hey..ABbooootttt?!!! (abott and costello? sorry, couldn't help it! lol)
The other two are curlies; about 5 now and still growing. My friend who bought them is training them for endurance. So we will see how they do. One is a pinto curly, the other a roan. Very good dispositions on both. Names are Pumpkin, and Surprise-cause he was!
At Palomino Valley I saw some beautiful horses. And some poor sorry looking ones to. But I saw many who had displayed a certain curiousness in their eyes rather than fear. An old mustang "guy" taught me that that is the look you (in their eye) you look for along with whatever conformation, or other traits you like. I also did see some very interesting coat patterns and colors. Some nice some really off the wall so to speak.
So maybe it is the luck of the draw...who knows. But there are some good ones out there. Lots. Just have to know how to find them and have a good eye.
I do however, believe strongly that these animals must be in the hands of experienced horsemen. All the above are experienced horsepeople and know what they are doing.
As for BLM adoptions at endurance rides, for various reasons, I don't think it is a good idea either. JMHO.
