They have characteristics which were incredibly beneficial to the early colonization, ranching and agriculture of California. These horses are rugged, surefooted, willing and versatile. The Heritage Discovery Center has the conservatorship of a herd of these horses - known as the Cruce Spanish Colonial Mission Horse.

The Wilbur-Cruce horse is a horse strain derived from Spanish colonial times which persist into the present day in as pure a state as can be determined. The need to continue to conserve this herd is great, since they represent a unique genetic resource. They also fit perfectly into the content of the Living History Museum, as they were a major component in the development of colonial California.