America's Wild Horses: A Photographic Journey Through Time

Origins of America's Wild Horses

The first horses were brought to America by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These horses quickly adapted to the harsh conditions of the New World and soon became an important part of Native American culture. Wild horses were used for transportation, hunting, and warfare.

In the 19th century, the westward expansion of the United States led to a decline in the population of wild horses. As settlers moved into new territories, they began to fence off land and graze their own livestock. This reduced the amount of food and water available to wild horses, and many were killed by hunters.

The Wild Horse Annie Years

In the early 20th century, a woman named Velma Johnston began to campaign for the protection of wild horses. Johnston, who became known as "Wild Horse Annie," traveled the country giving lectures and writing letters to newspapers and politicians.

Johnston's efforts helped to raise awareness of the plight of wild horses. In 1959, Congress passed the Wild Horse Annie Act, which established the first federal protection for wild horses.

Wild Horses Today

Today, there are an estimated 70,000 wild horses roaming the western United States. These horses are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS).

Wild horses continue to face challenges today. They compete with livestock for food and water, and they are often hunted by predators. In addition, the BLM and USFS have been criticized for their management of wild horses, which some say is too aggressive.

Despite these challenges, wild horses remain an important part of the American landscape. They are a symbol of our nation's history and heritage, and they continue to inspire awe and wonder in all who see them.