The first time I came across a herd of wild horses was a memorable moment for me. I was on foot, climbing a dirt trail in the Badlands of the Little Book Cliffs in western Colorado. I spotted a flash of color amongst the shrub brush and pinyon-juniper laced hillside. It was both a feeling of excitement and serenity in this moment. Cue “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones.
Since then, I’ve seen many wild horses across the country and across the globe. Here in the U.S.A we are lucky that we have so many breathtaking destinations with wild horses. Here’s my top five recommendations for the best places to find them in the states.
Colorado wild horses
There before me was a band of healthy looking wild Mustang horses and foals. As a guest of The High Lonesome Ranch in De Beque, Colorado, wild horse viewing is one of the day trips offered to horse lovers.
Arizona Wild horses
Close to 100 wild mustangs run free in the Tonto National Forest of Arizona. One particular band is known as the wild horses of Salt River. The Lower Salt and Lower Verde Rivers are good places to see wild horses in Arizona.
Virginia wild horses
If you are any kind of horse lover, you know about Margueritte Henry’s books for horse lovers, including Misty of Chincoteague. Each year the wild horses of Assateague Island are rounded up by saltwater cowboys, herded across the Assateague Channel to Virginia’s Chincoteague Island and put up for adoption.
Nevada wild horses
Spotting wild horses in Nevada is nothing new. Wild Mustang horses have been running free here for decades. But Mustang Monument is new to Nevada. Opened in 2014, this luxury eco-resort located in northeast Nevada pays homage to the American Mustang.
South Dakota wild horses
Wild horses run free across endless prairie in the hills of Hot Springs, South Dakota thanks to an Oregon rancher named Dayton Hyde. Home to over 600 wild mustangs, Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary offers educational tours, overnight cabins and a gift shop for horse lovers.
Have you seen wild horses? Do you have any recommendations for best places to see wild horses?
Article by Equine Writer Nancy D. Brown Photos courtesy of The High Lonesome Ranch, Mustang Monument and Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary.