Feral Horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

It might not be the largest or most visited National Park in America’s vast network of national parks but Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the most fascination parks I have ever visited. Not only does it have a really interesting landscape – badlands of the north-west but it is also one of the few remaining places in the country where herds of feral horses roam wild and free.

Trust me when I say that watching herds of wild horses, or even one wild horse for that matter, is such an amazing experience. You are almost spell bound when you watch them. We were incredibly lucky to get to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in a torrential downpour (the best thing in my opinion). The rain had driven away most of the other visitors and we had the park roads almost to ourselves. As we drove into the park, the rain magically stopped. It was perfect for the horses to be out and about. We had a chance to observe them graze and socialize – they were nuzzling each other, almost grooming each other – a silent animal communication that was fascinating to watch. Being late in the summer, we stumbled upon a couple of foals and the way the other horses came close to the baby as our car approached was heartwarming – almost as if they were protecting their young! I have never seen so many different shades and colors of horses ever!!!

There is a signifiant social movement happening at Theodore Roosevelt National Park and some of the others parks across the country to protect the land that belongs to these magnificent creatures against commercial livestock grazing – to help preserve this wild west for one of itsĀ iconic figures. I don’t know which side will eventually win – all I know is that feral horses represent freedom, wildness and the great spirt of adventure – you just have to look into their eyes to realize it!