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~ Kiger Origin ~
While there are many versions of the origins of the true Kiger, the basis remains the same. The Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) located these horses in 1977 in southeastern Oregon. They were in a remote area and isolated for quite some time and
all had similar Spanish traits and were of the dun dilution.
The horses were seperated and moved to a very protected area, the Kiger Mountains. They were split into two groups: one
on the Kiger Gorge side and one on the Riddle Mountain side. Over the years, much research and DNA testing were done on the
Kigers to futher prove their Spanish/Iberian ancestory. They carry not only the Sorraia DNA, but also blood from the Andalusian
and the only wild herd found to carry Lusitano blood as well.
At one time, there were other mustangs of seemingly Spanish traits moved into the Kiger herds for genetic diversity and other
reasons. These horses were soon culled, along with any offspring and permenately removed from the mountain ranges. Many
were purchased by Kiger breeders and are used in breeding programs. If you are looking into purchasing a Kiger, do your research
and ask questions; as these "found" horses are not of true Kiger origin. They come from many different areas or
states. It is a personal decision as to whether or not this is of concern to you as a buyer.
Rancho Bayo guarantees the pure stock as foundation Kigers with BLM papers right from the Kiger or Riddle herd management
areas.
While there are many myths and legends that surround the history of the Kiger, the facts remain that they are decdents
from Iberian stock in both phenotype and genotype.
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