The saga of the horse in America is a stunner and a heartbreaker.

Here, in the mists of pre-history, millions of years ago. Gone, over the Bering Strait to the rest of the world, and to extinction here in the Ice Age.

Back, terrified and terrifying, on the ships of Columbus and Cortez — then embraced by the Plains Indians and their great horsemen like it had never been away.

The free horse — the wild Mustang — is a primal symbol of American freedom. Its history is at the heart of our history.

This hour, On Point: The mustang, wild horses, and the history of the American West.

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Deanne Stillman, author of “Mustang: The Saga of the Wild Horse in the American West.”

Karen Sussman, President of the Society For The Preservation of Wild Burros and Mustangs.