Comments on: Manes & Trails: Original horses of Ramona

By: Kathleen Hayden

Kathleen Hayden — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 16:02:59 +0000

The amount of spanish genetic markers pale in comparison to their historic contribution and survival of the only four stallions from Coyote Canyon. The mares from the Sulpher Herd in Utah were the only herd that could be directly traced to Southern Ca. Geneticists recommended them as foundation mares to replace the Coyote Canyon mares that were lost forever to us. For generations folks traveling through Coyote Canyon thrilled at catching a glimpse of this wild herd before they were removed by agency gross oversights. Thanks to Congressman Issa we are making strides to restore this heritage, by community , group and corporate endorsement. The hoofprints of the Coyote Canyon herd have been traced and documented since 1769 in several books including but not limited to: Favorite Trails of Desert Riders 1991, History of Warners Ranch1927, Old Time Cattlemen and Other Pioneers of Borrego Valley, Journal of San Diego History and many more accounts. Since their evolution connecting Spanish occupation, Indian Ranching, Mexican and Western settlement this herd truly represents our local heritage.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 14:29:26 +0000

Kim J. the Coyote Canyon horses have been confirmed by Dr. Cothran. the Sulphur herd was chosen in part to the almost identical Spanish markers. While many horses ran wild in San Diego at one time in history, and many were mixed with TB stock to increase wither size ect. by the military at a point in history. We have documented the Coyote Canyon horses whom were hidden by Native tribes in the canyon stayed isolated and became definitively separate. this kept the gene pool intact but also kept them from being found by local mustangers ect from being trapped and taken. the coloring is most certianly different Kim as the CCherd were mostly all a form of chestnut but confirmation is not really so different in my opinion.

By: KimJ

KimJ — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 03:24:42 +0000

Best not to get ahead of yourselves. The original Coyote Canyon herd has yet to be confirmed by the respected experts as a colonial Spanish type of horse (as far as I know. Correct me if I am wrong Kate). Many horses including all North American saddle breeds have Spanish markers in their blood due to Spanish influence. Spanish influence does not make a horse Spanish by breed which means you also have to be careful when reading a genetic report. It is yet to be seen if the Coyote Canyon horses and the Spanish type (or other type) Sulphur horses are related or connected genetically. They do certainly look different. I have known the Sulphur herd since 2001 and have since done an enormous amount of research on them as well as on Spanish history and proper Spanish phenotype. I currently own two Spanish type Sulphur mares not too far from where Kate lives in San Diego (that will be foaling next year). I don't mean to sound like a troll here and I certainly support Kate's project in regards to her vision, but I think it best to not be hasty in your remarks that are not published by experts or accepted… yet.

By: Devon Camilleri

Devon Camilleri — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:17:15 +0000

After all this time, Kat, the real truth may be known to the citizens of Southern California. These Spanish Colonial horses are not feral, they are decendents of a destinct species that is integral to the history of this area and they must be preserved.
Thanx to you, Robert and many others involved in CCCDA, they may survive.

By: KimJ

KimJ — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 05:55:45 +0000

The Mountain Home horses have been known by the locals since the early 20th century. The first round up occurred in the late 1980's by the BLM and it wasn't until the genetic report by Dr. Gus Cothran of the University of Kentucky in 1997 that the BLM even realized that the herd was genetically Spanish. In regards to if the Spanish type Sulphur horses (the HMA has mixed and non-Spanish populations and recently has been confirmed to NOT be the same stock from the 1990's (Spanish) thanks to the mismanagement by the BLM).Whether the Coyote Canyon stock and the Spanish type Sulphur horses are genetically related is yet to be seen. They do not look similar in phenotype, but regardless, it is great that this Mustang herd will hopefully be reestablished in San Diego as they should have never have been removed in the first place.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:53:25 +0000

Great article Karen, cant wait to to hear more. Thank you for supporting this wonderful part of our heritage and helping to make sure it is not lost to us forever…except in old timers memories and various historical books when we have the opportunity to keep it as a living symbol and inspirational American Icon unique to Southern Ca.