Wild horses are savage beasts with a shy demeanor. Here's everything you need to know about this horse breed.
Wild Horses - Horse Breed Facts
Breed Group:
Wild HorsesHeight & Weight:
They are short, at about 14 to 15 hands in height; weighing between 800 and 1000 pounds.Coat:
Their coats are coarse due to lack of grooming. They may have white spots or patches on their coats or a brindled appearance.Head & Neck:
Neck is gently sloping, which tilts the head earthwards. Head is shorter than other breeds with a less prominent snout.Body:
Body is shorter and slenderer than other breeds.Conformation:
These are extremely sturdy creatures with perfect streamlined bodies and strong legs.Colors:
They are seen in all available horse colors such as black, white, gray, buckskin, brown, dun, red dun, etc.Gait:
They can walk, trot and lope.Popularity:
They are popular as mythical and legendary beasts.Registries:
Wild horses can be registered by the following bodies: The Wild Horse Sanctuary founded in 1978 and the Wild Horse and Burro Groups.
Wild Horses - Horse Breed Origins
Country of Origin:
USALineage/ Bloodline:
They are supposed to have descended 5.5 million years ago from their ancestor Equus.Historical Information:
Wild horses have a place in popular myth, legend and history.
Wild Horses - Horse Breed Defining Characteristics
Training Ease:
It is very difficult to train a wild horse, as they cannot adapt to change in their habitats. They can just be taught basic gait.Temperament:
They are shy creatures and may run away as a defense measure. However, they may become violent if their family is threatened.Child Friendly:
They are indifferent to children.Behavior:
They are untrained beasts and hence their behavior is unpredictable. It is better to view them from a distance.Riding Ease:
They are fast runners, but not good to ride on.Uses:
They have a place in myth and legend as horses of knights and heroes. They can be trained to work in circuses.
Wild Horses - Horse Breed Concerns
Health Issues:
Being adapted to forest life, they have built resistance against many diseases. In captivity, they may suffer from infections, listlessness and diseases of the alimentary canal.Feeding:
Wild horses are not meant to be fed by humans. They can subsist and thrive on natural vegetation.Outfitting:
Outfitting is not applicable to wild horses. Minimum saddle and bridle is enough.
Wild Horses - How to Choose a Horse Breed
What to Look for:
Look for a horse with a steady temperament so that it would not be aggressive in the future.What you will Need:
A wild horse would require much free space, like that at a ranch. Synthetic food must be avoided and outfitting needs are minimal.