Few animals symbolise our bond with the wild as profoundly as horses. While they shaped human history, their wild ancestors are vanishing. Once abundant, with hundreds of species roaming the globe, only one wild species of horse endures today. Plain zebras in East Africa are master survivors, relying on power, speed, and a powerful kick to evade predators. Donkeys, or asses, also have their roots in the wild, but have been heavily hunted and lost habitat to humans. From the extinction of the tarpan to the struggles of zebras and asses, the decline of horses reflects a broader loss of biodiversity.
A new movement called ‘rewilding’ brings hope, as primitive horse breeds are used to restore ecosystems. Horses once helped us conquer the globe, and their wild spirit remains untamed, ensuring their place in the natural world endures.
