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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Wild horses were believed to have totally died out before European settlers arrived in the Americas, however oral traditions and genetic testing indicate that at least some remnants of the original wild horses may still exist in breeds such as the Ojibwe Spirit Horse, though most breeds mentioned on this page are those that have distinctly European and Middle Eastern ancestors, and who's intelligence and physical attributes make them suitable for wild or feral life in North America.
"Through oral traditions, passed down by the Anishinabe or Ojibwe people, we are told that this horse was here with the Ojibwe People before colonization and contact with Europeans. This history is now being studied and corroborated by outside sources which cite the fact that the Ojibwe Spirit Horse has a different physical structure than all other horse breeds, which indicates it would have developed separately from them." - Native Wise LLC: Ojibwe Horse Breeding
Breeds of the USA
Breeds of the USA
Alberta Mountain Horses or Wildies
Alberta Mountain Horses or Wildies
Historic Range
Historic Range
"Running between the mountains and the highway known as the Cowboy Trail, from south of Calgary nearly north to Edmonton, this area is divided into six equine management zones. Half of all known wild horses live here in the Sundre zone." - Canadian Geographic: The Politics of Wild Where Do Albertas Wild Horses Belong
American Sorraia Mustang
American Sorraia Mustang
"Sorraias still show a wild behavior which other horses under similar condi-tions lack, i.e. Koniks or mustangs." - Sorraia: Vale de Zebro
"Altamiro, a dark grullo, went to Manitoulin Island, a touristy place in Lake Ontario, Canada, where he joined several Sorraia-like mustang mares to roam free in a horse's paradise of pas-ture, woodland and lakeshore. Lynne Gerard and Kevin Droski want to contribute to the pre-servation effort by building a herd of Sorraia mustangs.
"Interest in these horses and their preservation has been remarkable", said Lynne. "The Cana-dians seem to have a heart for animals that are threatened to become extinct."
Altamiro is the first Sorraia ever to put hooves on Canadian soil. Gore Bay residents Kevin and his wife Lynne have imported this Sorraia colt to breed to their North American mustang mares that are similar in appearance to the Sorraia horse, and to any Sorraia mares that may be brought to North America. Known as "Sorraia Mustangs", Sorraia-like mustangs are cropping out among mustang herds in North America. By creating a Sorraia Mustang preserve at Ravenseyrie, Droski and Gerard hope to make a significant contribution to the consolidation of the Sorraia characteristics through select North American mustangs, hopefully even strengthening the gene pool of the Sorraias in the future.
"We feel our preserve will benefit the efforts to save the Sorraia as well as bring attention to the special qualities of Sorraia Mustangs," says Lynne. "Ravenseyrie is an excellent natural environ-ment for breeding and raising these rare horses in a semi-wild setting. Kevin and I look forward to recording and sharing data on this project across the ocean and out west."
Adds Kevin: "Altamiro‘s offspring here are a marvelous expression of many of the most desirable attributes of the Sorraia. They prove to be tough, smart, sensible and well-suited to these rugged island conditions. A stunning addition to this landscape, their mere presence justifies the effort. The introduction of Altamiro promised to be both fascinating and productive and has been well worth the effort."
Sorraia History
Sorraia History
"The Sorraia horse is a rare breed of wild typed horse native to the Iberian Peninsula, particularly found in Portugal. Characterized by its primitive features, the Sorraia is believed to be close to the last remaining descendants of the ancient wild horses that once roamed Europe. They are known for their slender build, large eyes, and the distinctive dun coloration with a dorsal stripe." - The Pixel Nomad: Sorraia Horse
"... Their coat is primarily dun, ranging from light to dark shades, always displaying primitive markings including a dorsal stripe, shoulder stripes, and zebra-like leg barring. Sorraias are known for their hardiness, agility, and calm temperament." - The Pixel Nomad: Sorraia Horse
"Although it is known that the Sorraia developed in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula,[8] the breed was isolated and unknown to science until the 20th century. Despite the lack of documentation, attempts have been made to reconstruct its history. Paleolithic parietal art images in the region depict equines with a distinct likeness to the Sorraia, with similar zebra-like markings.[19][20] Analysis of mtDNA has been performed on Mustangs in the western United States that show similar mtDNA patterns between some Mustangs and the Sorraia breed.[16] Spanish conquistadors took Iberian horses, some of whom closely resembled the modern-day Sorraia, to the Americas in their conquests,[16] probably as pack animals.[2] Similarities between the Sorraia and several North and South American breeds are shown in the dun and grullo coloring and various physical characteristics. This evidence suggests that the Sorraia, their ancestors, or other horses with similar features, may have had a long history in the Iberian region and a role in the creation of American breeds.[16]" - Wikipedia: Sorraia - American Preservation Efforts
"Sorraia horses are primitive wild horses originating in the basin of the Rio Sorraia in Portugal, which was not far from the Atlantic Ocean. Sorraia horses of Columbus’s time were much more plentiful and retained the dubious description of being wild, just as the American Sorraia Mustangs were regarded centuries later.
Sorraias ended up in the New World as a result of that con by a horse broker of the time. The tide was going out, Columbus’ ships needed to set sail right away or they would miss favorable weather. Nobody wanted to be caught at sea during hurricane season, so off they went.
What they discovered was that Sorraia horses could handle the climate of the New World in ways that other horses could not; in fact, they survived and thrived. The Mediterranean climate from which Sorraias originated was similar to Mexico or California. They were also able to endure any number of extreme climate changes—from the deserts and mountains of Peru, to the North American high deserts and prairies.
There is no dispute that the conquistadors brought many types of Iberian bloodstock with them to the New World. Conquer, convert, and expand was the nature of the Spanish empire, and it quickly became apparent that the Sorraia was suitable for the grueling tasks of these tough expeditions. They soon earned a reputation as hardy, resilient horses, eminently suitable for expansion efforts in the New World.
These tough Sorraias horses of the 1400s and 1500s were direct ancestors of the American Sorraia Mustangs of the twenty-first century. The Sorraia Horse and the American Sorraia Mustang have survived for hundreds of years, populating from southern Mexico to colonial California. Over the centuries, their endurance has been greatly valued. They were the horses of the Pony Express, the vaqueros (cowboys) of Mexico, and the Native Americans. Much of North America was built on their backs.
The Sorraia breed of Portugal eventually died out in America, but Sorraia Mustangs have continued on, living in the most remote areas of North America, which includes the Book Cliffs region of Utah as well as populations in several other small regional pockets. The fact that they have proliferated in the same kind of environment as the original Sorraia has kept them so characteristically like their Portuguese ancestors." - Erenow: American Sorraia Mustang
Preservation Efforts
Preservation Efforts
"Two Sorraia stallions were imported to the United States in the early 21st century. In 2006, another Sorraia stallion was imported to Canada where a Sorraia Mustang Preserve has been established on Manitoulin Island in Ontario.[24] Unrelated to existing preservation efforts which work in conjunction with the Sorraia Mustang Studbook,[4] another project by a consortium of breeders in the United States is attempting to establish a separate network and studbook. These breeders have gathered Spanish Mustangs that through mtDNA testing show a genetic relationship with the Sorraia and are breeding them according to both genotype and phenotype in an attempt to help preserve what they are calling the "American Sorraia Mustang".[25]" - Wikipedia: Sorraia - American Preservation Efforts
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Assateague Horses & Chincoteague Ponies
Assateague Horses & Chincoteague Ponies
These are physically close to one another and genetically considered the same.
"Chincoteague ponies are one of the most well-known feral equines on the East Coast.
While they are often referred to as "ponies" due to their appearance, they are actually more genotypically similar to horses.
The term "Chincoteague" also leads to confusion because the horses technically live on Assateague Island, which is split in half by the border of Maryland and Virginia. The ponies on the Maryland side live in Assateague Island National Seashore while the Virginia ponies live within Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge."
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"Assateague Island is a harsh environment for the Ponies and their diet is limited. The Ponies have adapted to the limited diet over the hundreds of years they have lived on Assateague. The Ponies primarily eat the saltwater cord grass that grows in the marshes on Assateague Island. They eat almost all day just to get enough nutrition from this diet to sustain themselves. The salt content of the cord grass is very high. To compensate for all the salt in the cord grass they drink twice as much water as a normal horse. This is why their bellies appear so bloated." - Chincoteague: Chincoteague Ponies
Banker Horses
Banker Horses
"The Banker horse is a breed[1] of semi-feral or feral horse (Equus ferus caballus) living on barrier islands in North Carolina's Outer Banks. It is small, hardy, and has a docile temperament, and is genetically related to the Carolina Marsh Tacky of South Carolina and Florida Cracker Horse breeds through their shared Colonial Spanish horse and Iberian horse descent. The current population of wild Banker horses is estimated to be about 400.
Bankers are allowed to remain on the islands due to their historical significance even though they can trample plants and ground-nesting animals and are not considered to be indigenous. They survive by grazing on marsh grasses, which supply them with water as well as food, supplemented by temporary freshwater pools.
To prevent overpopulation and inbreeding, and to protect their habitat from being overgrazed, the horses are managed by the National Park Service, the state of North Carolina, and several private organizations. The horses are monitored for diseases, such as equine infectious anemia, an outbreak of which was discovered and subsequently eliminated on Shackleford in 1996. They are safeguarded from traffic on North Carolina Highway 12. Island populations are limited by adoptions and by birth control. Bankers taken from the wild and trained have been used for trail riding, driving, and occasionally for mounted patrols." - Wikipedia: Banker Horse
Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tackies
Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tackies
"The Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tacky is a critically endangered breed of horse,[1] native to South Carolina. It is a member of the Colonial Spanish group of horse breeds, which also include the Florida Cracker Horse and the Banker horse of North Carolina. It is a small horse, well-adapted for use in the lowland swamps of its native South Carolina. The Marsh Tacky developed from Spanish horses brought to the South Carolina coast by Spanish explorers, settlers and traders as early as the 16th century. ..." - Wikipedia: Carolina Marsh Tacky
"The Marsh Tacky is known by owners for its stamina and ability to work in water and swamps without panicking. They tend to be sure-footed, sturdy, smart, and able to survive in challenging coastal environments, as well as being easy keepers. Their small size and gentle nature made them the historically preferred mount for children and women, but they were also used as working animals due to their abilities in the field. Today, they are used in endurance riding, as well as continuing their traditional work assisting humans with hunting wild game and herding cattle.[6]
Marsh Tackies have the same ancestral bloodlines as Florida Cracker Horses and North Carolina Banker horses. However, DNA testing has proved that the Marsh Tackies' relative isolation has made them a separate breed with unique characteristics.[7]" - Wikipedia: Carolina Marsh Tacky
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Historic Range
Historic Range
"The Carolina Marsh Tacky developed from Spanish horses brought to the island and coastal areas of South Carolina by Spanish explorers and settlers as early as the 16th century.[6] More horses were added to the population that would become the Marsh Tacky through animals that were purchased in the Spanish settlement of St. Augustine in Florida. They were then used as pack horses on Native American trade routes, and sold when the traders reached Charleston.[4] They were managed mainly as feral herds, rounded up by locals when horses were needed, and this tradition continued into the 20th century." - Wikipedia: Carolina Marsh Tacky
Cayuse Indian Ponies
Cayuse Indian Ponies
"The Cayuse Indian Pony is a Native American horse breed that was developed by the Cayuse people that used to control a vast territory of more than six million acres in what are now the states of Washington and Oregon." - Horse Breeds List: Cayuse Indian Pony
These rare but legendary animals are described as "Spirited, capable, hardy", "lively, adaptable", and generally healthy".
"Although the settlers called most horses raised by the American Indians "cayuse ponies", the Cayuse Indian Pony of the Northwest is a distinct breed which originated in the 1800's. Its conformation and its background set it apart from the Mustang, Spanish Barb or other wild horses.
Small and stocky, the Cayuse Indian Pony has high withers and an unusually long canon bone. In addition, its distinctly sloped pastern gives it a broken walking gait. ..."
"The breed's history is obscure and difficult to trace. It has been generally accepted that the Cayuse Indian Pony descended from the French-Norman horses imported into Canada in the 1600s. Most of these French horses were Percherons, which the Canadians used to improve their domestic breeds. The Percheron was a good choice -- it continues to be one of the only work horses which can easily trot for extended periods of time.
Years later, the French Canadians brought their horses into what is now American territory. It was recorded that they bartered their horses in St. Louis with the Pawnee Indians, who then took them further west. Eventually, the Indians crossed their sturdy French horses with the lighter Spanish Barbs to produce a horse which had not only speed, but endurance.
By the 1800s, the Cayuse Indian Pony had become a separate breed. The Cayuse Indians, known throughout the Northwest for their expert horsemanship, continued to develop this French-Spanish Barb strain through selective breeding. Because the French horse had the ability to pass on its tendency for spots or a profusion of white markings, the Cayuse Indians were able to produce some very colorful horses. In fact, the Appaloosa, Paint and Pinto breeds have all been influenced by the blood of the Cayuse Indian Pony.
Today, the breed is seldom seen outside California. Only a handful are even still in existence. Jeff Edwards, co-founder of the Wild Horse Research Center in Porterville, California has gradually been trying to rebuild a herd and protect it from extinction. Over 100 head of Cayuse Indian Ponies were lost several years ago when their pasture land was sprayed with a toxic herbicide.
But the Wild Horse Research Center is optimistic about the breed's recovery. Recently, they donated a Cayuse Indian Pony to the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington with the hope that more people could discover the saga if this unique horse. They are also working with one small stud bunch at the farm and anxiously await the spring foals each year.
The Center has also established a registry for wild horses and ponies possessing barb blood. The Cayuse Indian Pony can now be officially registered as one of the "Horse of the Americas" breeds. Edwards determined the purity of each horse based on its physical characteristics and charts researched by the Wild Horse Research Center." - OK State: Breeds of Livestock: Cayuse Indian Pony
Historic Range
Historic Range
"The Cayuse Indian Pony is a Native American horse breed that was developed by the Cayuse people that used to control a vast territory of more than six million acres in what are now the states of Washington and Oregon." - Horse Breeds List: Cayuse Indian Pony
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"... The Cayuse lived along the tributary river valleys in the Blue Mountains. The Tribes lived around the confluence of the Yakama, Snake, and Walla Walla rivers with the Columbia River. "
"The Cayuse Tribe was known for their large horse herds that grazed in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Cayuse ponies were stout and able to move quickly through the steep and timbered Blue mountains Prestige and wealth was partially reflected by the number of horses that a person owned. "
"...The Cayuse used to graze horses all through the Umatilla Basin, across the Columbia River on the Horse Heaven Hills all the way to Hanford to the north, on the east side of the Blue Mountains from the Grande Ronde country all the way to Huntington, to the John Day River country in the South and all the way to the Cascades in the west. " - A Brief History of CTUIR
Cherokee Horse
Cherokee Horse
"Known for their strength and endurance, these horses played a vital role in Cherokee life for centuries.
Cherokee Horses are medium-sized animals with sturdy builds, well-suited for both riding and light draft work. Their calm temperament and sure-footedness made them ideal for navigating the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains.
These horses come in various colours, including bay, black, chestnut, and grey.
The breed faced near-extinction in the 19th century due to forced relocation of Cherokee people and crossbreeding with other horse types. Today, efforts are underway to preserve and promote the Cherokee Horse, with a small but growing population maintained by dedicated breeders and enthusiasts."
"These horses are known for their hardiness, sure-footedness, and calm temperament." - Horse Breeds: Cherokee Horse
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Cumberland Island Horses
Cumberland Island Horses
"Descended from a stock brought over to the island from mainland Georgia in the 19th century, Cumberland's feral horses number between 150 to 200 individuals. They are treated as any other wild creature and are not provided any assistance. While they're quite lovely to look at from afar, they can be quite physically defensive when approached too closely." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
"There is estimated to be a population of between 150 and 200 horses on the island. Horses on Cumberland Island have a relatively short life expectancy, due to pest infestations, disease and their rugged environment. In 2000 a behavioral study found that instability marks the bands, with large numbers of co-dominant stallions, early dispersal of juveniles, and frequent band-changing among mares." - Wikipedia: Cumberland Island Horse
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Curly Mustang
Curly Mustang
"Wyoming’s Salt Wells Creek and White Mountain herds are home to something truly extraordinary: wild curly-haired mustangs, a rare and mysterious lineage of horses with thick, curly coats, manes, and tails.
But this living piece of history is now at risk of disappearing forever.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to slash the population of the iconic Adobe Town herd and even worse, completely eradicate the Great Divide Basin and Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Areas (HMAs), where the curly horses roam. If this plan moves forward, every last horse in those HMAs will face violent removal — rounded up and taken to government holding facilities.
Worse, this initiative isn’t about what’s best for the land — it’s about livestock.
The BLM’s population limits are based on allocating 91% of available forage in these areas to private cattle and sheep, leaving almost no room for wild horses to coexist.
We are now in a critical moment. The future of these herds — and the survival of the curly mustangs' unique genetic legacy — hinges on ongoing federal court decisions and public outcry." - American Wild Horse Conservation’s Post
Historic Range
Historic Range
Wyoming
Florida Cracker Horse
Florida Cracker Horse
"The Florida Cracker Horse is a critically endangered horse breed[1] from the U.S. state of Florida. It is genetically and physically similar to many other Spanish-style horses, especially those from the Spanish Colonial horse group, including the Banker horse of North Carolina and the Carolina Marsh Tacky of South Carolina.[2] The Florida Cracker Horse is a gaited breed known for its agility and speed. "
"The Florida Cracker Horse is also known by a variety of other names and descriptions, including "Chickasaw pony", "Seminole pony", "Prairie pony", "Florida horse", "Florida cow pony", and "grass-gut".[5][6] ... They are found mainly in bay, black, and gray, although grullo, dun, and chestnut are also seen.[5] Roan and pinto colors are occasionally found.[7] " - Wikipedia: Florida Cracker Horse
Chickasaw Horse
Chickasaw Horse
The original Chickasaw horse, bred by the Chickasaw Nation using horses captured from Hernando de Soto's expedition, became extinct after being used to create the Florida Cracker Horse, and having some influence on the American Quarter Horse.[16] Some sources still use the Chickasaw name to describe the Florida Crackers of today.[5][6] The Chickasaw horse was originally bred for speed over short distances, traits found in its Florida Cracker Horse and American Quarter Horse descendants. The typical Chickasaw horse stood at about 13 hands high, described as "short and chunky, quick to action, but not distance runners...the best utility and all-rounder horses of their time".[17] They influenced the Banker horse, the Carolina Marsh Tacky, and the Chincoteague Pony.
In the 1970s, there was interest in re-creating the Chickasaw horse using horses bearing strong resemblances to the original breed,[16] but the breed association no longer exists. The Chickasaw Horse Association Inc. listed the conformation of the Chickasaw horse as "a short head, short fine ears, wide between the eyes, short back, square blocky hips, dock set low, short neck, wide chest, high deep shoulders, strong short pasterns, and a slight bend in the hock".[17]" - Wikipedia: Florida Cracker Horse
Grayson Highlands Ponies
Grayson Highlands Ponies
These carefree equines are the descendants of 50 (supposedly) Assateague and Chincoteague ponies, released into Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia, in 1975.
"To control the growth of brush along the balds, which are a man-made landscape forged by extensive logging operations in the late 19th century. The balds maintained a clear-cut appearance through the first half of the 20th century due to cattle ranching, but after the area was transformed into a state park in 1965, there were no more cows to keep the brush in check." - Tree Hugger: Meet the Wild Ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park
"In the years since the ponies were released into the bald, the herd has thrived in the scrubby mountainous terrain, and the population now stands at around 150 individuals. To maintain a balance between the ponies and the environment, the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association was established in 1975 to monitor the herd and facilitate an annual auction of any excess colts. The proceeds of the auctions, sometimes as much as $500,000 go toward supporting the remaining herd; some of the earnings are earmarked for two local fire departments as well." - Tree Hugger: Meet the Wild Ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park
Kiger Mustang
Kiger Mustang
"Oregon's very own wild horse. Known for stamina and agility both in the arena and on the trail. They even made it onto the big screen in the animated movie with Matt Damon called, “Spirit, Stallion of the Cimarron.”
Adoption events only happen once every three to four years and as you could guess, they are very popular events! The Kiger is a specific type of Mustand with Spanish background and dun factor. “Dun factor” is a gene that dilutes the coat color and adds primitive markings such as the dorsal stripe down the back and zebra markings on the legs." - Discover the Horse: Kiger Mustang
Historic Range
Historic Range
"The Kiger mustang is a strain of mustang horse located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Oregon. The name applies only to wild-captured individuals and does not apply to their bred-in-captivity progeny, which are known as Kiger horses. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers two herd management areas for Kiger mustangs in the Burns District—Kiger and Riddle Mountain, in the Steens Mountain area. DNA testing has shown that Kiger mustangs are descended largely from Spanish horses brought to North America in the 17th century, a bloodline thought to have largely disappeared from mustang herds before the Kiger horse populations were discovered in 1977.[1] " - Wikipedia: Kiger Mustang
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"Discovered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in 1977, these wild horses were found on the high desert of southeastern Oregon. Rumors had circulated for years in Oregon about the line-backed mustangs called “Oreanas” and their similarity to Spanish horses. Government officials agreed that here was a special horse. Individuals in the herd were strikingly similar in color and conformation, and had distinct dun markings (stripes on legs, for example). For preservation’s sake, they moved the small band of horses to the north end of Steens Mountain near Kiger Gorge, from where the breed takes its name. This group of horses became pivotal to the Kiger program." - Erenow: Steens Mountain Kiger
"These wild horses were known for their intelligence, ability to easily scale rocky hillsides and nimbly cover rugged territory. They were admired for their Spanish conformation, their long flowing manes and tails, and their remarkable primitive coloration. These horses were rumored to have been related to the ancient horses of the Spanish Explorers." - Kiger Mesteño Association
Maintaining Healthy Genetics Between 2 Herds
Maintaining Healthy Genetics Between 2 Herds
"Discovery of the Kiger mustang was the result of a BLM mustang roundup in the Beatys Butte area[5] in Harney County in 1977. During the roundup, it was noticed that among the horses collected from the area, there was a group with similar color and markings. DNA testing by the University of Kentucky showed close relation to the Iberian horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish in the 17th century. These distinct horses were separated from the other horses and the BLM placed two groups in separate areas of Steens Mountain to preserve the breed. Seven horses were placed in the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) and twenty in the Kiger HMA.[1]"
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"The Kiger HMA, 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Burns, Oregon, and 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Diamond, Oregon, covers 36,618 acres (148.19 km2) and hosts a population that ranges between 51 and 83 horses. The Riddle Mountain HMA, 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Burns, covers 28,000 acres (110 km2) and contains between 33 and 56 horses. Horses are sometimes exchanged between the herds to maintain the highest possible level of genetic diversity. After roundups, horses with the desired physical characteristics (including phenotype and coloration) are returned to the herds to maintain a high quality of breeding stock.[9] The herds are rounded up every three to four years, and excess horses are auctioned to the public. ..." - Wikipedia: Kiger Mustang
Colouration Division Between Herds
Colouration Division Between Herds
"In 1979, the small band of Spanish-looking horses were moved to two separate areas on Steens Mountain—Kiger HMA and Riddle Mountain, just a few miles east of Kiger HMA. It was decided they would be grouped and managed differently in each area according to distinct characteristics, with the dun and grullo colors being in one group, while dorsal stripes and dark borders on the ears were in another. The BLM retained as much as possible the dun and grullo coloring of the horse, but did allow a margin for white markings, off coloration, and a variety in body color.
The BLM modified its plans in the late 1980s to create uniformity between the Kiger and Riddle areas. Many horses that had non-dun coloration or white markings, or were dun in phenotype but varied in color genotype, were made available to the public. Horses of non-conforming colors have continued to surface in the herds occasionally and are also made available at adoptions." - Erenow: Steens Mountain Kiger
Kisatchie Wild Horse
Kisatchie Wild Horse
"For centuries, horses have roamed the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, which is approx. 604,000 acres in which the US Army occupies approx 250,000 acres.
These wild and free-roaming horses, over years and generations, have reverted to their wild state, especially through their offspring who have never known anything other than wild." - Pegasus Equine
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Lac La Croix Pony or Ojibwe Horse
Lac La Croix Pony or Ojibwe Horse
"The Ojibwe Horse, also known as the Lac La Croix Indian Pony (bebezhigooganzhii, mishdatim) and Lac La Croix “Indian” or “Indigenous” pony is a semi-feral Canadian horse breed developed by the Ojibwe people. The population became critically low; and, by 1977, only four mares remained. To preserve the breed, these mares were crossed with Spanish Mustang stallions. The modern breed name derives from the Lac La Croix First Nation of Ontario, where the horses were last found in the wild. Historically, the breed was also found in Minnesota.
Today, it remains a critically endangered breed; there are about 200 horses located in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia in Canada, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin in the United States. The breed registry is maintained by the Ojibwe Horse Society, a registered Canadian not-for-profit." - Wikipedia: Lac_La_Croix_Pony
"Through oral traditions, passed down by the Anishinabe or Ojibwe people, we are told that this horse was here with the Ojibwe People before colonization and contact with Europeans. This history is now being studied and corroborated by outside sources which cite the fact that the Ojibwe Spirit Horse has a different physical structure than all other horse breeds, which indicates it would have developed separately from them." - Native Wise LLC: Ojibwe Horse Breeding
Historic Range
Historic Range
Great Lakes Region including what is now Canada and the USA, particularly within the boreal forest. They were last found in the wild in Ontario and since bred with Spanish Mustangs to help save them from extinction.
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"They have cold weather adaptations including small, well-haired ears and nostril flaps able to tighten in bad weather." - Wikipedia: Lac_La_Croix_Pony
Nez Perce Horse
Nez Perce Horse
"The Nez Perce Horse is a spotted horse breed of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho. The Nez Perce Horse Registry (NPHR) program began in 1995 in Lapwai, Idaho and is based on cross-breeding the old-line Appaloosa horses (the Wallowa herd) with an ancient Central Asian breed called Akhal-Teke.[1]
This program seeks to re-establish the horse culture of the Nez Perce, a tradition of selective breeding of Appaloosa horses and horsemanship that was nearly destroyed by the U.S. Government in the 19th century. The breeding program was financed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Nez Perce Tribe and a nonprofit group called the First Nations Development Institute, which promotes such businesses.
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The Akhal-Teke is an ancient breed that originated in Turkmenistan (near Afghanistan). They are known for their superb endurance and "metallic" coats. The Akhal-Teke coat colors commonly include palominos, buckskins, and dark bays. A typical Nez Perce Horse is a buckskin or palomino with Appaloosa characteristics—mottled skin with a spotted coat or a blanket.
The Nez Perce Horse's conformation is longer and leaner than the Quarter Horses or other stock horses of the Western U.S., with narrower shoulders and hindquarters, a longer back, and a lean runner's appearance. They are good at long rides and compete well in endurance races; they are also good jumpers. The Nez Perce Horses are often gaited, with a fast and smooth running walk.
The Nez Perce people are historically known for their selective horse breeding practices, according to NPHR breeders Jon and Rosa Yearout.[3]" - Wikipedia: Nez Perce Horse
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
"The ancestors of the Newfoundland pony arrived in Newfoundland from the British Isles, brought there by settlers between 1611 and the mid-1900s. Dartmoor ponies formed the initial shipment, imported by John Guy, the first proprietary governor of Newfoundland. Lord Falkland imported additional animals soon after, and these were followed by a spate of pony shipments from England, Ireland and Scotland. Additional breeds found in the shipments included the now-extinct Galloway pony, as well as Connemara, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, Highland and New Forest ponies. Beginning with the first imports, the breeds crossbred, eventually forming the modern Newfoundland pony.[1]" - Wikipedia: Newfoundland Pony
"... The largest populations were in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario, with smaller populations in seven other Canadian provinces and the United States.[11] As of 2013, TLC estimates that the widely dispersed breeding population consists of between 200 and 250 ponies.[12] " - Wikipedia: Newfoundland Pony
22:22 minute video about this feral breed which almost became extinct.
Nokota horse
Nokota horse
"The Nokota horse is a feral and semi-feral horse breed located in the badlands of southwestern North Dakota in the United States. The breed developed in the 19th century from foundation stock consisting of ranch-bred horses produced from the horses of local Native Americans mixed with Spanish horses, Thoroughbreds, harness horses and related breeds. The Nokota was almost wiped out during the early 20th century when ranchers, in cooperation with state and federal agencies, worked together to reduce competition for livestock grazing. However, when Theodore Roosevelt National Park was created in the 1940s, a few bands were inadvertently trapped inside, and thus were preserved." - Wikipedia: Nokota Horse
7:18 minute long video of a family working to keep the Nokota Horse from extinction.
Placitas Mustangs
Placitas Mustangs
"Wild mustangs are an integral part of the heritage of the American West. These mustangs descended from horses that were brought over by Spanish conquistadors; other breeds have since contributed to the original mustang bloodline. The area in and around Placitas, NM is home to many of these wild horses." - Placitas Wild Horses
Historic Range
Historic Range
"Free-ranging horses have long been a feature of the landscape around the historic town of Placitas, northeast of Albuquerque. The magnificent sight of a band of dappled palominos or chestnut browns grazing and galloping along the hills at the base of the Sandia Mountains feels iconic—a classic and romantic image of the West."
Pryor Mountain Mustang
Pryor Mountain Mustang
"... They exhibit a wide range of solid colors, including bay, black, chestnut, dun, grullo, and blue or red roan.[6][9] Buckskin coloring is rare but does occur, and pinto coloring can be minimally expressed.[9] The dun-colored horses on the range exhibit primitive markings such as dorsal stripes, transverse stripes across the withers, and horizontal "zebra" stripes on the back of the forelegs.[6][7] The Pryor Mountains horse's body is heavy, with strong bones. Manes and tails tend to be long, and the horse's winter coat is very heavy and often curly.[8] The head is convex (sometimes called a "Roman nose) or straight, with wide-set eyes, hooked ears, and a broad forehead that tapers well to the muzzle.[6][8] ... The neck is medium in length, and most of the animals have only five lumbar vertebrae (an anatomical feature common in primitive horses)—although some have a fifth and sixth vertebrae which are fused. The horse's shoulders are long and sloping, the withers are prominent, and chests are medium to narrow in width.[8] The croup is generally sloped, and tail-set is low.[6][8] The hooves are large and very hard.[8]
Some Pryor Mountain mustangs exhibit a natural ambling gait.[8] They are generally intelligent, strong, and sure-footed, and exhibit great stamina. Like all feral horses, they generally avoid human contact, are distrustful, and are easily spooked. ...
The horses form bands or "harems", in which a single stallion mates and controls a group of about six mares. Another eight to 10 "bachelor" stallions accompany the band at a distance, hoping to win control of it from the stallion or mate with mares.[6]" - Wikipedia: Pryor Mountain Mustang
"Genetic studies have also revealed that the herd exhibits a high degree of genetic diversity,[11] and BLM has acknowledged the genetic uniqueness of the herd.[9] Because of the unique genetic makeup of the Pryor Mountains mustang herd, Cothran concluded in 1992 that "the Pryor herd may be the most significant wild-horse herd remaining in the United States."[33]" - Wikipedia: Pryor Mountain Mustang
Historic Range
Historic Range
"The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is in the southeastern portion of Carbon County, Montana, and northern Big Horn County, Wyoming. Approximately 50 miles south of Billings, Montana, and 10 miles north of Lovell Wyoming." - BLM: Pryor
Adapted for:
Adapted for:
"The area is high in diversity and complex in nature. Elevations range from 3,850 feet to 8,750 feet above sea level. Annual precipitation varies with elevation from 6 inches of precipitation in the lower elevations to upwards of 20 inches in the alpine high elevation. Soils vary in depth from shallow (less than ten inches) to 20-40 inches deep depending on site locations and position on the landscape. Water is considered a limited resource within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.
Habitat within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is diverse and ranges from shrub-grass vegetation including big sagebrush, Gardner’s saltbush, black sagebrush, rhizomatous wheatgrasses, Indian ricegrass, needle and thread and bluebunch wheatgrass to communities that include Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, limber pine, and juniper.
Plant communities also vary with elevation and precipitation from cold desert shrub to sub-alpine forests and meadows." - BLM: Pryor
Sable Island Horse
Sable Island Horse
"The Sable Island horses are a feral horse population that is entirely unmanaged: they are not subject to any kind of interference. Observational research, which is considered noninvasive to the herd, has been conducted by various entities over several decades. The population in recent years (2009 and onward) has varied between 400 and 550 animals.[6] Due to the lack of predators, older horses often die of starvation after their teeth are worn down by a lifetime of exposure to sand and marram." - Wikipedia: Sable Island Horse
Threats to Sable Island Horses
Threats to Sable Island Horses
Various studies have been done on the Sable Island Horse genome and "researchers also stated that Sable Island horses had genetically "diverged enough from other breeds to deserve special attention by conservation interest groups",[9] and that the loss of the Sable Island horses would be more damaging to the genetic diversity of the Canadian horse population than the loss of any other breed. Genetic erosion is a possibility within the Sable Island population, due to the small number of horses.[9] In a study of mitochondrial DNA published in 2012, the Sable Island horse was found to be the least genetically diverse of the 24 horse populations studied, which included horse and pony breeds as well as feral populations from North America and Europe.[13] A 2014 study by Parks Canada stated that the horses were under threat from their low numbers, excessive inbreeding and extreme weather due to global warming.[14]" - Wikipedia: Sable Island Horse
"A study published in 2019 found that the Sable Island horses had about three times the level of parasite eggs in their fecal material than domesticated horses, averaging 1500 eggs per gram.[1] These included a parasitic lungworm that caused respiratory diseases; the horses also suffered from reproductive diseases.[1] Necropsies of carcasses inspected in 2017 and 2018 showed that young horses died of starvation and hypothermia, particularly during extreme winters, as they would not have a sufficient reserve of body fat and suitable vegetation is sparse on the island during winter.[1] Adults died of other causes. These results confirmed a similar study from 1972.[1] The study also found that these horses incidentally consume significant quantities of sand, which gradually wears down their teeth and blocks their gastrointestinal tract." - Wikipedia: Sable Island Horse
Historic Range
Historic Range
Sable Island of Nova Scotia in Canada.
Threats to Wild & Feral Equines
Threats to Wild & Feral Equines
Fences
Fences
Fences have slowly swallowed up nature, breaking it into fragments that trap larger animals in smaller and smaller areas. This can cause migratory grazers to starve to death and dehydration when they can't reach adequate resources. It can also prevent animals from finding mates, which can increase inbreeding and the many problem associated with shrinking gene pools.
Global Warming & Climate Change
Global Warming & Climate Change
Flooding & Sea Level Rise
Flooding & Sea Level Rise
Hydroclimate Whiplash
Hydroclimate Whiplash
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
Canada
Canada
Alberta
Alberta
Alberta Wildies Society "HAWS – Dedicated advocates working to protect and preserve Alberta’s free-roaming wild horse bands."
Wild Horses of Alberta (WHOAS) "was formed as a nonprofit society in 2002 following the public outcry over the destruction of several wild horses that were living along the Eastern slopes of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. Since 2002, WHOAS has been working diligently and progressively on the protection and preservation of Alberta’s wild horses.
In March of 2015 WHOAS was Registered as a Charitable Organization. As such, our operation runs solely on membership fees, adoption fees, donations and fundraising efforts. We do not receive financial support from the government in any way."
British Columbia
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
North America
North America
USA
USA
BLM Off-Range Corrals & Adoption Centers "The BLM maintains a large network of permanent off-range corral adoption and purchase centers to facilitate the placement of wild horses and burros into private care through the Adoption and Sales Programs. Each off-range corral varies in its operating hours and how it conducts an adoption. Some corrals are located within a correctional facility and only conduct periodic public adoption events, while others are open for walk-up visitation during open hours and some are appointment-only. "
Love Wild Horses "saving the last of America’s icons of the West, from slaughter and extinction, with humane, innovative on range holistic land and water conservancy practices, for the mutual symbiotic benefit of the wild ones, wild places and humanity; inspiring the wild heart of the West to live on, today and for future generations to come."
California
Wild Horse Sanctuary "In 1978, rather than allow 80 wild horses living on public land to be destroyed, the founders of the Wild Horse Sanctuary made a major life decision right then and there to rescue these unwanted horses and create a safe home for them. And just as quickly, they launched a media campaign to bring attention to the plight of these and thousands of other wild horses across the west that eventually led to a national moratorium on killing un-adoptable wild horses.
The Sanctuary is located near Shingletown, California on 5,000 acres of lush lava rock-strewn mountain meadow and forest land. Black Butte is to the west and towering Mt. Lassen is to the east."
Idaho
First Nations Development Institute "improves economic conditions for Native Americans through direct financial grants, technical assistance & training, and advocacy & policy."
Louisiana
Fort Polk Kisatchie Horses "At one time, these horses ran through the pine forests of Kisatchie as their ancestors did over 500 years ago. They were rounded up and dispersed by the courts with no accountability for what could be the end of their journey.
Saved from a future of uncertainty, these small-statured horses have come to their forever home at the Sanctuary. With many friends to greet them, fresh hay and water to replenish them, and a sense of peace from the nearby pine hill forest to call them, the horses have settled in their new home. Make a donation today to help us give these horses their best second chance at life."
New Mexico
Placitas Wild Horses "In 2003, a loose-knit group of Placitas residents provided feed and water to the wild horses that roamed public and Tribal lands north of Placitas. In 2015 this group of community members officially organized as 'Placitas WILD', a NM non-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This organization is comprised of a dedicated group of people committed to the care and well-being of wild mustangs in the Placitas area."
Oregon
Kiger Mesteño Association "welcomes you to learn more about the iconic wild Mustang that has come to be known as the Kiger Mustang."
Steens Mountain Kiger Registry
South Dakota
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary "was created as a nonprofit organization to provide and maintain a permanent private home for America's unwanted wild horses. BHWHS goal of saving the American Wild Mustang also includes the preservation of endangered wild horse bloodlines of the resident mustang bands. This includes the Spanish, Choctaw Indian, Curly and American Mustangs.
No state or federal funds are received by the organization. All efforts to maintain the Sanctuary land and provide the best possible life of freedom for the horses are funded through the generosity of donors!"
Wisconsin
Grey Raven Ranch "Our mission is to ensure the survival of the Ojibwe horses and to preserve the unique Anishinaabe heritage of partnership with them. These little horses once roamed free in Minnesota and northwestern Ontario, living in a symbiotic exchange of forage and winter labor with neighboring Anishinaabe bands.
Now there are fewer than two hundred living animals. Cars and snowmobiles made this unique horse-human partnership obsolete. Not many Ojibwe horses are born each year, keeping the breed always on the knife-edge of extinction."The Humble Horse "In the 1970s, the Lac La Croix Indian Pony, or the Ojibwe pony was driven to the brink of extinction. Today, with 150 left on Turtle Island, we are dedicated to the preservation and reconnecting of our indigenous relative to their indigenous communities."
Ojibwe Horses & Native Wise LLC "Because of this work, we now have 200 breed members and rising. At Native Wise LLC, we are proud to participate in this program and help to restore this beautiful horse to its original homelands. The Ojibwe people share a special bond and spiritual connection with this horse that has remained unbroken. We currently have 3 Ojibwe Spirit Horses on our ranch named Shy Boy, Echo, and Ochitimoo (Grey Squirrel). We host community members and youth on our ranch to meet and reconnect to our long lost relative, the Ojibwe Spirit Horse. We look forward to a bright future with the revitalization of these horses, our people and a connection to our past and a part of our culture that has been lost."
Wyoming
The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center "is a public, not-for-profit 501c3 educational institution whose purpose is to:
Inform visitors of the historic significance of the local mustang herd.
Provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, viewing live mustangs in a magnificent setting.
Educate visitors to learn about the dynamics of a mustang herd, the social interactions within individual bands, and the mustang’s place alongside other wild species.
Work collaboratively with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service to preserve and promote a genetically viable herd of wild horses in the Pryor Mountains."
Maps
Maps
North America
North America
USA
USA
Arizona
BLM: Herd Management Areas - Arizona Click the area names to learn about what is being done in each location to maintain healthy herds.
California
BLM: Herd Management Areas - California Click the area names to learn about what is being done in each location to maintain healthy herds.
Colorado
BLM: Herd Management Areas - Colorado Click the area names to learn about what is being done in each location to maintain healthy herds.
Dakotas
Idaho
Montana/Dakotas
Nevada
New Mexico
BLM: Herd Management Areas - New Mexico Click the area names to learn about what is being done in each location to maintain healthy herds.
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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