The Mustang stands as a symbol of freedom and the Wild West of America. It arrived in America as the domesticated horse of the Spaniards and became feral there. Today, these animals live in large herds. Mustangs are also called "mestengos," which means "strays." They are domesticated horses that the Spaniards brought to America by ship in the 16th century and then escaped. Finding abundant food on the fertile pastures and having few natural enemies aside from the cougar, they multiplied rapidly. Even today, Mustangs roam the land freely. They are led by a brave stallion, who protects his herd and is usually the father of all the foals.