In general, the social structure of feral brumbies is based on family units called bands , with young colts and sometimes a few stallions also forming bands.

It is generally believed that both young males and females are forced to leave the family unit when they become mature, a mechanism to prevent inbreeding.

This understanding will be tested using genetic markers.

In particular, test will be designed to determine if all females are forced to leave a band as they become mature and if the dominant stallion does indeed father all the offspring in a band.

Testing will also help determine if young colts or stallions that form bachelor bands and other bands that share home ranges are related.

Furthermore, the research is designed to assess the level of genetic diversity within brumbies in QLD and the Northern Territory to see if they have been affected by inbreeding or if there is a relatively small number of horses that may have contributed to their gene pool.