2 stallions facing off after clashing over control of a herd of mares. Note the mane in the mouth of the younger one, ripped from the Alpha Male to the L, who on the battle with a massive kick of the hind legs as the younger one attempted to mate one of the mares... a truly primal display of nature!
The lineage of the Murderer's Creek horses is diverse and quite debatable. Although it is likely that horses found in the area by early explorers (probably escaped from Indian herds) left their mark in the area, there can be no dispute that many of the Murderer's Creek horses are descendants of animals lost or turned loose by settlers and ranchers. Dr. Gus Cothran performed genetic analysis of this herd in 2000-2001. Dr. Cothran found that this herd -- which is physically isolated from other herd areas -- is the most unique, bearing the least similarity to the other Oregon herds studied. Dr. Cothran found that this herd bears closest genetic resemblance to the American light racing and saddle breeds as well as to the New World Iberian breeds.