Author: Kaela Schraer, DVM

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There is evidence that horses were first domesticated about 6000 years ago. Since then, horses have become very close partners with humans. They have been used in roles including farming, travel, war, entertainment, sport, and even simply as pets. The population of truly wild horses has decreased significantly over time. Our close relationships with these beautiful and powerful animals make the idea of horses in the wild that much more fascinating. Are There Still Wild Horses in the World? Most of the horses found in the wild around the world are actually feral horses. These are horses that are descended from horses that were domesticated at some point in history. Feral horses can be found all around the world. This includes: American Mustangs Brumby horses of Australia Namib Desert horses of Africa Misaki-Uma horses of Japan Cimmaron in South America Camargue horses in France The only truly wild horses with no domesticated ancestors left in the world are Przewalski’s horses. Are There Any Wild Horses Left in the United States? All the horses that live in the wild in the United States are feral horses. Many are believed to be descended from horses originally brought over with Spanish explorers in the 1400s and 1500s. Those that escaped during expeditions or were purposely left behind thrived in the lush natural environment. Some of the better known populations include the Mustangs that range the American west and the Chincoteague ponies that live off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.

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