KIGER HISTORY

First discovered in 1977 by the BLM in the rugged Kiger Gorge/Steens Mountains of southeastern Oregon, the Kiger mustangs are thought to be direct descendents of the horses brought to the new world by the Spanish Conquistadors in the late 1500's and early 1600's. Almost 500 years of natural selection in a harsh environment, from what at that time was considered the finest bloodlines available in the world, then later careful selection by the land grant Spaniards or ‘Californios’ has produced the Kiger Mesteno. These horses show remarkable intelligence, soundness, endurance, brio ‘the fire within’ and a natural desire and ability to work cattle. Like their close relative the Andalusian, Kigers can have heavy double manes, long flowing tails and a lot of high gaits or ‘leg action’ making them truly poetry in motion. 

The BLM manages two special areas in Oregon for wild horses having Spanish Barb/Mustang characteristics. They are located in the Burns District and are known as the Kiger and the Riddle Mountain Habitat Management Areas (HMA’s).The Kiger HMA covers nearly 37,000 acres with a herd population established at a minimum of 51 and a max of 82 horses. The Riddle Mountain HMA contains nearly 28,000 acres and the horse population is managed to range between 33 and 56 head. So there is only about 200 Kigers left in the wild. Every four years when the herds reach their maximum population, the extra horses are rounded up and taken to the Burns Wild Horse Corrals where they are made available for adoption to the public. At the 2007 adoption the top selling horse was a 2 year old golden dun stud which sold for $7800.00, while the top mare a dark Grulla brought $7400.00. At the 2003 Kiger Adoption the top selling horse was a young filly which sold for $19,000.00. 

In addition to the wild Kigers on the HMA’s, many individuals are raising Kigers on private farms and ranches throughout the United States. There is currently over 700 horses registered with the association. All KMA registered Kigers must be DNA tested for the Spanish gene markers and show the primitive Dun factor coloring. The horses are most commonly a shade of bay dun, red dun or grulla with a few solid bays and blacks. Dun factor markings include dorsal stripe. jack/shoulder stripes, zebra stripes on the legs, bi-colored manes and tails, ears with dark outlines, herring bone markings on the dorsal stripe and cob webbing on the face. 

The personality of the Kiger is one of great presence. Their temperament is a unique combination of hot blooded fieriness and calmness with above average intelligence and a strong desire to please. The stallions are easily managed and well mannered. Many breeding stallions are routinely ridden in exhibitions, competitions and for daily ranch work. The mares tend not to exhibit the moodiness typically attributed to mares. Kigers are long lived with no known heredity defects. 

Kigers de los Californios is located near Sacramento, CA. They buy, sell, train and show quality, KMA registered Kiger Mesteno horses. They offer Kigers for sale in a range of ages, which are started with solid foundations that will bring new owners many years of pleasure and service no matter the discipline.  Cheney's Classic Kiger Ranch located in Lodi, CA and owned by renowned bronze artist and horseman Rowland Cheney is strictly a breeding farm standing 3 Kiger Stallions including Cougar’s Hijo Warrior the only breeding son of the famous Kiger Cougar the horse Bobby Ingersoll immortalized by winning the 1992 Snaffle Bit show in Paso Robles. Be sure to take the time to visit the Kigers who will be on display at the 2008 Horse Expo in the Breed Display Area, June 6-8, 2008, at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds. And be sure to wish them a Happy 20^th Anniversary.

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