The sculpture commemorates the wild mustangs that were historically important inhabitants of much of Texas. It portrays a group at life size, running through a watercourse, with fountains giving the effect of water splashed by the animals' hooves. The horses are intended to represent the drive, initiative and unfettered lifestyle that were fundamental to the state in its pioneer days.
The work was commissioned in 1976, and installed in 1984. Its shallow watercourse extends 400 feet (130 m) from north east to south west across Williams Square, a gently sloping granite-paved open space approximately 300 feet (110 m) square.
The buildings around the square rise to 358 feet (26 floors) on the north and to 217 feet (14 floors) on the east and west sides, the south side being open to O'Connor Boulevard. The sculpture is substantial, but the scale of the surrounding structures means it does not over-dominate the space.
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