There’s something magical about the idea of wild horses running free, manes flying, hooves pounding against the earth, untouched by fences or roads. But in a world that’s constantly expanding, where do wild horses still have the space to live the way nature intended?
The answer is... more places than you might think! Let’s take a trip around the world to find out where these incredible animals still call the shots.
1. The American West – Home of the Mustangs
When most people picture wild horses, they’re thinking of Mustangs thundering across the rugged landscapes of states like Nevada, Wyoming, and Utah. These feral descendants of horses brought by Spanish explorers in the 1500s now roam public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
While their numbers have been heavily debated (and often reduced through roundups), there are still over 80,000 wild horses in the U.S., making it one of the largest wild horse populations in the world.
2. Australia – The Brumbies of the Bush
Over in Australia, wild horses are known as Brumbies, and they’ve become deeply entwined with the country’s outback identity. Introduced by European settlers, Brumbies have adapted to harsh environments and now roam areas like the Australian Alps and Northern Territory.
However, much like in the U.S., their growing numbers have sparked heated debates over land management and environmental impacts. Still, Brumbies remain an enduring symbol of Australia’s wild heart.
3. Mongolia – The Last Truly Wild Horses
If you’re looking for horses that have never been domesticated, head to Mongolia to meet the legendary Przewalski’s horse (pronounced “shuh-VAL-skee”). These stocky, dun-colored beauties are the only true wild horse species left on earth.
Once extinct in the wild, they were reintroduced through conservation efforts and now roam the Hustai National Park and surrounding areas, representing a major victory for wildlife protection.
4. Portugal and Spain – The Ancient Garrano and Sorraia
In the Iberian Peninsula, small populations of semi-wild horses like the Garrano (Portugal) and Sorraia (Spain and Portugal) still roam forests and mountainsides, living in natural herds. These ancient breeds are thought to be direct links to the horses of prehistoric Europe, making them living pieces of history.
5. Other Hidden Herds
Wild horse populations can also be found in places you might not expect, like:
- Canada, home to the Alberta Wildies.
- New Zealand, where the Kaimanawa horses roam.
- France’s Camargue, famous for its white, marshland-dwelling horses.
In each of these regions, wild horses have found ways to adapt to the landscape and continue their free-roaming lives, despite the challenges of modern development and conservation concerns.
Protecting Their Last Frontiers
The fact that wild horses still roam free in today’s world feels like a bit of a miracle. It’s up to us to make sure that miracle continues—by supporting thoughtful conservation, responsible land management, and global awareness of these extraordinary animals and the spaces they need to thrive.
And if your heart’s already galloping alongside them, take a moment to browse our Wild Horse Collection—created to honor the untamed beauty of the places where wild horses still run free.
