If you’ve been wondering why the Ford Mustang has a horse logo instead of the original Ford logo, you are not alone. This is quite an interesting story that took a turn at the last minute. Why? Well, the legendary name “Mustang” wasn’t even planned. They’ve had something else figured out.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think any other name would suit this car more than a “Mustang”. First of all, the horse logo is just because the car is named “Mustang”.

What is a Mustang? Well, it is a free-roaming horse usually located in the Western United States. This is often referred to as a wild breed just because they are descended from once-domesticated animals.

If you love horse racing betting, then you probably know your horse breeds. Now the Mustang breed isn’t necessarily used in horse racing, but it represents one important element – FREEDOM. If you are inspired by this story and want to place a horse racing bet, you should check out the handicapper tournaments on the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments/

Therefore “Mustang” symbolizes many other things apart from being only a horse. It symbolizes freedom, heroism, and limitless possibilities. In other words, the perfect name for a car like the Ford Mustang.

But let’s learn more about the story of how the car got the name “Mustang” as well as a couple of other alternative names that could have pointed the entire history of the car into a different direction.

The “Almost Cougar” Story

Did you know that “Mustang” wasn’t the first idea for naming this car? In fact, the original designer of the Mach 1 Mustang Gale Halderman, wanted to name the car Cougar. Yes, it is another animal, but instead of a horse, we have a wild cat. In fact, Ford also jumped into the story. But after some debate, the name they’ve found that the name “Mustang” suited the car more, and I think we can all agree with that.

A few years later, a car got the name that the original “Mustang” should have had. Mercury Cougar another quite impressive car with beautiful design got the name. But it didn’t see the same success as the Mustang. Is it because of the name?

Well, I doubt it, but it definitely plays an important role in building up a story around the car.

​Why a Horse?

So, the next question is: Why name a car after a horse? Especially a wild horse?

Well, it all comes down to what the Mustang symbolizes. During the early 1960s, Ford was looking for a name that symbolized freedom, power, and speed, and I think the Mustang fits the car quite well.

But there is more to it. If you are not a car guy, then you’d have a tough time understanding this. But a car isn’t just metal, it has a soul and gives you that certain feeling that depends on multiple factors. So, the name Mustang wasn’t accidental. They’ve wanted to design a car that is affordable, has a lot of power, and represents freedom.

Lee Iacocca, the brain behind the Mustang’s creation, envisioned it as an affordable sports car for the masses, and the Mustang horse symbolized untamed freedom. Ford designer Phil Clark sketched the now-famous logo, showing a galloping pony running free, representing the car’s rebellious spirit​.

The Galloping Westward… Wait, What?

One quirky detail is the direction of the horse. Have you noticed that the Mustang’s pony always gallops to the left, or westward?

There’s a reason behind that. Initially, the horse-faced the opposite direction, but Lee Iacocca had the logo flipped because he felt the westward movement represented the pioneering, forward-thinking spirit of the car. Plus, it just looked more dynamic and exciting that way​.

Iconic Logo Evolutions

The Mustang’s logo has seen a few tweaks over the decades, but that core image of a wild horse has stayed the same. In some early concepts, the horse was placed within a corral, which was an idea borrowed from the Cougar emblem design. Over time, the corral was phased out, and the galloping pony was left to run free—just as the car’s image intended​.

Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know:

Other Name Contenders: Along with Cougar, Ford also considered names like Torino and Allegro before finally landing on the Mustang.

The Mustang II Concept: The concept model that premiered in 1963 sported the Mustang’s signature horse, and it was an instant hit. The car and logo debuted at the Watkins Glen U.S. Grand Prix​.

Phil Clark’s Legacy: The designer of the logo, Phil Clark, was integral in bringing the iconic horse to life. His initial sketch eventually became the emblem we know and love today, although the final sculpting was done by Waino Kangas​.

Why Does It Work So Well?

The Ford Mustang’s horse logo isn’t just slapped on for fun—it’s carefully crafted to evoke a feeling. The horse, in full gallop with its mane flying and head held high, signifies speed, freedom, and power.

That’s exactly what the Mustang represents as a car. It’s not a coincidence that the emblem still looks sharp today, without needing major updates. It’s like wearing a classic leather jacket—it never goes out of style.