7 things you should know if you’re WILD about wild horses…
The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:
Did you know that wild horses have the largest eyes of any land mammal? With nearly 350-degree vision, they can spot danger from almost every angle — one of the many ways American wild horses have survived and thrived across the West for centuries. These incredible animals aren’t just running free — they’re carrying the spirit of the open range and keeping nature in balance, one hoofbeat at a time!
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Saddle up, because we’re about to share seven WILD facts about our cherished icons:
They’ve got spring in their step! Wild horses have a built-in shock absorption system in their legs, helping them cover miles of rugged terrain without breaking stride.
Herds stick together. A lead mare charts the course, while a dominant stallion stands guard. Young bachelors eventually break away to start their own herds.
Foals find their footing fast. Within just one hour of birth, a wild foal is already up and trotting alongside Mom — because in the wild, there’s no time to horse around!
They have a secret language. Wild horses “talk” through ear flicks, tail swishes, and subtle shifts in body posture — but when words fail, a well-placed squeal or kick gets the message across.
Nature’s lawnmowers at work! Unlike cattle, wild horses don’t rip grass up by the roots, keeping grasslands healthy and thriving. You could say they have a knack for natural landscaping.
They don’t hit the snooze button. Wild horses get very little REM sleep and often sleep standing up, ready to flee at a moment’s notice if danger approaches.
They’re a native reintroduced species! Wild horses evolved in the North American continent. Research shows they crossed the Bering Land bridge, going locally extinct, but they never went globally extinct and were reintroduced by Spanish colonizers.
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The wild horses of the American West are in a race against time. Government helicopter roundups are driving them from their homes, replacing freedom with fences.
In fact, as we speak, more “federally protected” wild horses are living in captivity than roaming free on public lands.
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One more thing! On March 1 — National Horse Protection Day — we’re taking action for wild horses. You can get a headstart by clicking here to sign our petition to #HaltTheHelicopters and end cruel, costly government helicopter roundups!
For the wild ones,
Team AWHC