The Abstang didn't exist at all until the 1990s when a woman in Utah (Michelle Brown) experimented with crossing the Mustang and the Arabian. She was hoping that the offspring would be both unique and desirable, and they absolutely were. She ended up with youngsters that were as eager to please as the Arabian and as spirited as an untamed Mustang. But the young horses were also a little reticent, requiring that she work to earn their trust. Once she did, they were impressive horses indeed.
She called her new breed the Abstang and in 1993 the International Abstang Registry & Association was founded. In order the qualify for registration, the horses must display the refinement and endurance of an Arabian and the fearless and stubborn nature of the Mustang.
The adult horses are usually small in size, hardy, and surefooted. Because the breed is still so new, and the Mustang can sometimes have a fuzzy coat, there is still some variation in the conformation and characteristics of the breed. The Mustang features can sometimes override the refinement of the Arabian, but this is not desirable. A more favorable conformation will include a straight profile and a rounded croup. All colors and patterns are acceptable in this adorable breed.
The Abstang makes a great endurance horse, but they can also be used for show and just for pleasure. They tend to be good on the ranch as well because they're so quite and surefooted. They are fearless and loyal as well as spirited and very tough, so they make great trail horses and can be used to herd cattle and sheep if necessary.
All in all, the Abstang is an interesting and fun experimental breed that definitely has some promise.
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