Here is more information and pictures about one of the most famous horses in America: Spirit

In April 2002, DreamWorks chose Return to Freedom as the permanent home for Spirit, the Kiger Mustang that served as the model for the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Here Spirit spends his days exploring large pastures and enjoying new friends. We are delighted to create a new home for Spirit where he can continue to thrive and inspire our visitors to preserve the heritage of these wonderful animals.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions—and answers—about Spirit:

• How old is he?
• Where was he born?
• How tall is he?
• Are Mariah and Rain real horses?
• Is Spirit really wild?
• Does he have a herd of his own?
• What is his life like at Return to Freedom?
• Why did DreamWorks choose Spirit as their model?
• Are there more pictures of Spirit that I can print out?
• Where can I learn more about Kiger mustangs?

How old is he?

Spirit was born on May 8, 1995. On his last birthday he was 12 years old.

Where was he born?

Spirit was born in captivity by a horse breeder in Bend, Oregon.

How tall is he?

Spirit is 4 feet, 11 inches at the top of his shoulders, or 14.3 hands high.

Traditionally, a horse's height is calculated in “hands.” One hand is equal to four inches—the average width of a man’s hand. This method was created when cowboys had to measure horses, but didn’t have any rulers.

Most Kiger mustangs stand 13.3 to 15.2 hands high, or 4feet 7 inches to 5 feet 2 inches at the top of the shoulders.

Are Mariah and Rain real horses?

The artists were inspired by various horses that they knew. For Rain, the creative team drew their inspiration from a very sweet medicine hat mare. They loved how feminine she was and her soft blue eyes!

Is Spirit really wild?

No. Spirit was born on a ranch in Bend, Oregon. Spirit is free and is a wonderful ambassador and bridge to help educate children about the various breeds of America's wild horses. He enjoys people and especially children

Does he have a herd of his own?

Since Spirit was not born in the wild, he was not born into a herd. Here at Return to Freedom he is being socialized with wild horses so that he can live freely with them.

So far he has been introduced to several mares.

What is his life like at Return to Freedom?

Spirit has a great life here, and has the best of both worlds of freedom and captivity. While he is being introduced to some of the wild horses at the Sanctuary, he also has his freedom. Spirit has many friends—human and horses alike. And because he is in a sanctuary, he has the care that he and all his friends need and deserve.

Why did DreamWorks choose Spirit as their model?

DreamWorks’ filmmakers and artists were very specific about the kind of horse they needed as a model for their film. And Spirit met all of their criteria.

They knew they wanted to find a beautiful and majestic Mustang – a true symbol of the untamed American West. And when they first laid eyes on Spirit, they knew they had found the creature that would give them the inspiration to tell a compelling story about a wild mustang stallion and his fight for freedom.

Spirit was also chosen because he has a great personality and the way he moved was truly beautiful. He is playful and interacts very well with people. And that was really important because he posed many, many times so the animators could sit and draw and study him for hours on end.

Are there more pictures of Spirit that I can print out?

Yes! Just click on a picture below to print it out.

Where can I learn more about Kiger mustangs?

The Bureau of Land Management discovered the Kiger Mustangs on the high desert of southeastern Oregon in 1977. Government officials agreed that these were very unique horses. To preserve them, they moved this small band of horses to other areas on the north end of the Steens Mountain near Kiger Gorge. The Kiger breed takes its name from this region. We have provided a number of links to sites that are dedicated to Kigers. We invite you to read more.