Wild Horses - The last of the Mustangs
Wild horses roam primarily in the western United States, particularly in the states of Nevada, Wyoming, California, Utah, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, Montana, and New Mexico. They evolved from many domesticated breeds that long ago were either set free or escaped. Several generations removed, from their Spanish ancestors, today’s wild horses are smaller both in height and weight, growing to about 5 feet at the withers. This could be due to poor nutrition and lack of proper breeding.Interestingly, wild horses have harder hooves and suffer bone disease far less than the domesticated horse. Although smaller in stature, they are still energetic and fast runners. They are able to run up to 35 miles an hour, which was especially beneficial at a time when they had to flee dangerous predators such as cougars. However, those perils no longer exist today.
Wild horses roam in herds of up to 20 or more, with a stallion being the dominant member. The stallion not only stands guard over the others, but will also protect his herd by fighting off any threatening intruder. Mares normally give birth in the spring, and Colts will only stay with the herd for a few years. Thereafter, young stallions generally form their own herd.
In the 20th century, over 2 million wild horses roamed free in the United States, but only about 50,000 remained by l971 when President Richard Nixon signed a Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Protection Act. The act was spurred by a Nevada resident, named Velma Johnston, who witnessed cruelty to wild horses, specifically Mustangs, while being taken to a slaughterhouse. Because of that act, they have since been federally protected and the Bureau of Land Management is in charge of their safety and welfare. The goal of the act was to protect wild horses and burros from unauthorized capture, branding, harassment or death, and strived for humane care and treatment. Management is instead geared toward relocation to ranches, sterility, and adoption programs. According to the Bureau, the number remaining today is only about 36,000. If you would like to become involved in saving the life of one of these animals, or learn how to support the cause, you may visit the Bureau’s website for further information.
If you are would like to see wild horses, but live on the east coast, there are still plenty of places where you can observe these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. I visited Assateague Island, Maryland (where these equines are managed by The National Park Service) many years ago, and was lucky enough to witness many wild horses while camping. Being able to sit by the fire, while watching them roam free, was reminiscent of The Old West and quite a memorable experience that won’t soon be forgotten.