Bob Brislawn and the founding of the SMR
On the brink of extinction in the early part of the last century, their salvation can be attributed primarily to Robert E. Brislawn of Oshoto, Wyoming, who founded the Spanish Mustang Registry, Inc. in 1957.
Born in the Palouse country in 1890, he made his own way at an early age, working on ranches, mining and freighting. During his years in the West, his horses of choice were Spanish Mustangs. His respect for these Spanish descendants was enormous as they thrived on forage that could not support other breeds and never seemed to tire.
He never hobbled or tied his horses in camp as he always stated that they would stay with him, much like pet dogs. He was impressed with their speed, agility and above all, their will to survive.
As he roamed throughout the West, he realized the authentic Spanish Mustang was being methodically exterminated and he commenced his search for horses of essentially pure Spanish blood, desiring to preserve those few remaining. He embarked upon his preservation project in 1925.
Two full brothers, Buckshot (grulla) and Ute (red dun) were his first foundation stallions, sired by a dun stallion named Monty and out of Ute Reservation blood on the dam's side. Monty, captured in 1927, escaped back to the wild in 1944, taking a number of mares with him. He was never recaptured. For years Bob Brislawn, with the assistance of his brother Ferdie, bred their few mares, unaware that others shared their dream of preserving this unique and rare breed.
The word spread and in 1957 a group headed up by Bob Brislawn incorporated the Spanish Mustang Registry, the first and oldest Mustang registry in the country. A non-profit organization, this registry was formed to preserve and perpetuate the last remnants of the true Spanish Mustangs. Twenty animals were initially registered. With over 3100 current registrations, Brislawn's goal is now realized. The Spanish Mustang is secure and is demonstrating to the world the attributes inherited from its Spanish progenitors as well as the traits developed through centuries of selection by the cruelest and most selective of breeds, Nature herself.
The SMR
Though eager to acquaint the public with this fine breed, the primary aim of the Spanish Mustang Registry is to assure the retention of the qualities that allowed this unique horse to survive over the centuries under adverse conditions. It is with a great deal of pride that the breeders and owners of Spanish Mustangs can honestly state that the preservation of the Spanish Mustanag has been accomplished without compromising the historical value or uniqueness of the breed. The Spanish Mustangs are now as they always have been and the principal tenet of the Registry is that there will be no attempt to crossbreed or to otherwise change these historical and distinctive animals.With the trend toward conforming breeds to satisfy various show standards, this unique breed is among the very few that has not lost many of its characteristics due to the whims of man.
Click here to visit the Spanish Mustang Registry home page.