The term “wild horse” often refers to free-roaming equids, but a distinction exists between truly wild species and feral populations. Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is the only remaining truly wild horse species, never having been domesticated. In contrast, many widely recognized “wild” horse populations, such as the American Mustang or the Australian Brumby, are considered feral, meaning they are descended from domesticated horses that returned to a wild state. These animals thrive in diverse environments globally.
North American Herds
North America is home to numerous populations of free-roaming horses, particularly in the western United States. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages wild horse and burro herds across approximately 27 million acres of public lands in 10 Western states. These horses, often called Mustangs, are descendants of horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish in the 15th century, with many escaping or being released. The BLM estimated around 73,520 wild horses and burros on these lands.
These populations are protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, designating them as living symbols of the American West. In Canada, free-ranging horses are found in western and northern Alberta, interior and northern British Columbia, and the southern Yukon. Alberta’s wild horse population was estimated at around 1,679 in 2019. Sable Island off Nova Scotia also hosts a feral horse population of about 500.
Wild Horses Across Other Continents
Beyond North America, diverse wild and feral horse populations exist. In Europe, the Camargue horse, indigenous to southern France, has lived semi-feral in the Rhône delta’s marshlands for centuries. These whitish-grey horses are known for their stamina and agility. Another European example is the Konik horse, a hardy breed from Poland.
Australia hosts the Brumby, a free-roaming feral horse found in many areas. Brumbies are descendants of escaped or lost horses belonging to early European settlers and are known for their adaptability and resilience. In Africa, the Namib Desert horse is a rare feral population found in Namibia’s harsh Namib Desert. This horse has adapted to extreme desert conditions and maintains a population between 90 and 150 individuals.
Asia is home to Przewalski’s horse, the only truly wild horse species, once extinct in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, these stocky horses now exist in reintroduction sites in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. Their distinct genetic makeup confirms their separate evolutionary lineage.
Ecological Impact and Conservation
Wild and feral horses play a role in shaping the ecosystems they inhabit. Their grazing habits contribute to vegetation management by preventing overgrowth and promoting plant diversity in grasslands. Horses can consume lower-quality vegetation, which helps reduce fuel loads and mitigate wildfire risk.
These equids also act as ecosystem engineers, creating beneficial changes through their physical actions. They break ice in winter, allowing other species access to water, and dig for water in dry riverbeds, forming temporary water sources. Their movements help aerate soil, promote nutrient cycling, and disperse seeds, aiding in plant regeneration. Conservation efforts manage population numbers through fertility control or controlled removals to balance herd health and rangeland capacity.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
Observing wild horses in their natural habitat is a rewarding experience, but requires adherence to ethical guidelines for the safety of both people and animals. Maintain a safe distance from wild horses, generally at least 100 feet. Approaching, touching, or feeding wild horses is strongly discouraged, as human food can make them ill and habituation to people can lead to dangerous behaviors.
Visitors should avoid altering the horses’ natural behaviors, such as chasing them or making loud noises. Staying on designated roads and trails helps protect foraging areas and minimizes environmental disturbance. Always be aware of horse movements and do not position yourself between a stallion and his mares, or a mare and her foal. Practice “leave no trace” principles to preserve these wild spaces for horses and future visitors.