Wild Horses of the Namib

Country of Origin: Namibia

Intro

The Wild Horses found in Namibia are not indigenous to the area so technically they are not wild, but feral. Horses were first imported to southern Africa in the 17th century from Europe and like the mustangs of North America eventually made their way into the wild.

Wild Horses of the Namib

Image from thunderstar

Origins

Although they are thought to come from Europe, their actual origins are a mystery. However there are a number of theories, and the one with most credence is that they are animals of German descent that were left behind & added occasionally by other animals abandoned during the depression and the progress of the automobile.

In 1908 German colonial administration established a large restricted area, access to which was kept strictly controlled. Part of this area was the roaming ground of these horses and because of these restrictions the heard was able to grow untouched by human hands for 90 years. In 1986 the area was opened up and became part of the Namib Naukluft Park. Interestingly enough, this German colonization is probably what saved the breed and in the end the local conditions & climate have created a breed in it’s own right. Their evolution in the area has created and incredibly resilient & tough breed of horse.

This herd was brought to the attention of the public in the 1980’s and very little is known about the animals themselves. Due to the extreme climate of their native land, their numbers remain limited as Mother Nature is the only caretaker of these animals. There have been attempted exterminations due to a severe lack of natural resources, but the indomitable spirit of these wiry animals (and now the Government) has kept them going.