Wild horses in Germany - The Dülmen wild horses

Definition of a wild horse

A wild horse is a horse that lives in the wild and has not been domesticated by humans. It differs from feral domestic horses, which also live in the wild but originally have domesticated ancestors

Core characteristics of a wild horse:

• Genetic purity: Wild horses are descended from original, non-domesticated horses. Examples include the Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) or extinct wild horses such as the Tarpan .
• Lifestyle: They live in their natural habitat without direct dependence on humans.
• Adaptability: Wild horses have adapted to their environment, for example with robust bodies, hardy hooves and frugal feed conversion.

Difference between wild horses and feral horses:

• Wild horses: Have never been domesticated. Their populations are genetically unchanged and are often regarded as relics of earlier times.
• Feral horses: Originally domesticated horses that were later released back into the wild. Examples of this are the mustangs in North America or the brumbies in Australia.

The Dülmen wild horse: profile

The Dülmen wild horses in Germany are considered to be one of the last original herds of horses in Central Europe. Although they are heavily protected by humans, their way of life shows many parallels to real wild horses.

• Breed: Dülmener wild horse
• Origin: Germany, Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen (North Rhine-Westphalia)
• Status: One of the last wild horse populations in Central Europe.
• Size (stick size): 1.25 to 1.35 meters
• Weight: 200 to 300 kg
• Average life expectancy: 20 to 25 years in the wild or in species-appropriate husbandry.
• Coat colors: Predominantly fawn, often with an eel line and occasionally primitive markings such as zebra stripes on the legs.
• Location: Wild horse enclosure in the Merfelder Bruch, 360 hectare area with natural vegetation.

The history of the Dülmener Wildpferd

The Dülmen wild horses are one of the oldest known wild horse herds in Central Europe and are considered a unique natural heritage in Germany. Their history has been documented for centuries and shows how a small population managed to survive in an increasingly cultivated landscape.

The origins

The first written records of wild horses in the Dülmen region date back to the 14th century. At that time, these horses lived freely in the moors, forests and heaths of Westphalia. Originally, the Dülmen wild horses were part of larger herds that roamed the open landscapes of Central Europe. However, with the spread of human settlements and the increasing cultivation of the landscape, the natural habitats of the wild horses became increasingly restricted.

The foundation of the wild horse enclosure

In 1847, the Duke of Croy took measures to protect the remaining wild horse population. He founded the wild horse enclosure in the Merfelder Bruch, a protected area of around 360 hectares. To this day, this area offers the wild horses a safe habitat that remains largely untouched. The horses live there without human influence, allowing them to retain their natural character and independence.

Tradition of protection

The herd has been looked after by the von Croy family since the enclosure was established. The measures focus on keeping the population stable and preventing overpopulation. Particularly well known is the annual wild horse catch, where young stallions are selected and passed on to new owners. This traditional event not only helps to preserve the herd, but also raises awareness of the value of these unique wild horses.

Significance for nature and culture

The Dülmen wild horses are a living example of the original fauna of Central Europe. Their history is closely interwoven with the region and represents a valuable cultural asset. Today, they are considered a symbol of the balance between nature conservation and human use of the landscape and are an important part of German natural history.

The characteristics of the Dülmen wild horses

The conformation of the Dülmen wild horses

The Dülmen wild horses have a compact and strong build that is perfectly adapted to life in the wild . With a height of 1.25 to 1.35 meters and a weight of 200 to 300 kilograms, they are one of the lighter horse breeds.

Their coat colors are predominantly dun - a gray-brown shade that is often complemented by a dark eel line along the back. In addition, primitive markings such as zebra stripes on the legs can occur, which underlines their descent from original horse breeds. Other coat colors such as grey-brown or shades of brown are less common.

The head of the Dülmen wild horse is distinctive, with a broad forehead and expressive eyes. Their ears are small and flexible, while the neck is short and muscular. Their legs are fine but stable, with hard hooves that are ideally suited to life in natural terrain. The tail is thick and low set.

The interior of the Dülmen wild horses

The Dülmen wild horses have a distinctive, original character that has been shaped by their long time in the wild. Their character is shy, but at the same time social. They avoid direct contact with humans and retain their natural flight instinct. In the herd, however, they exhibit strong social behavior, which is characterized by a clear hierarchy and close bonds within the group.

These horses are very independent and manage their lives without human care. They search for food on their own and adapt effortlessly to changing environmental conditions. Their high adaptability makes them extremely resistant to wet, cold and lack of food.

Their behavior within the herd is also remarkable. Conflicts are usually settled without violence, and the animals show a strong sense of cohesion that ensures their survival in the wild.the wild as a natural habitat

The Dülmen wild horses have lived for centuries in the Merfelder Bruch, an area of around 360 hectares near Dülmen (North Rhine-Westphalia). This area was specially created as a sanctuary and offers the wild horses ideal conditions to preserve their natural lifestyle. The wild area of the Merfelder Bruch shows how the horses have adapted perfectly to their environment and live independently of humans.

The habitat: The Merfelder Bruch

The Merfelder Bruch is a varied landscape of grasslands, sparse forests, moors and marshy areas. This diversity provides the wild horses with everything they need to survive:

• Food: The animals feed on grasses, herbs, young shoots and bark, which they find independently in their habitat.
• Protection: The groups of trees and bushes offer protection from wind and weather. Swampy areas also serve as retreats.
• Water points: Natural ponds and small watercourses ensure the herd's water supply.

The enclosure is fenced in to protect the animals from dangers such as road traffic or other external influences, but otherwise remains untouched. Human intervention is kept to a minimum and exclusively for the protection of the herd.

Life in the herd

The wild horses live in a large, free-roaming herd consisting of several mares and their offspring. Young stallions only remain in the herd for the first few years of their lives and are selected and removed from the herd during the annual wild horse cull. The herd has a clear social structure:

• Lead mare: She leads the group and decides on movements and locations.
• Stallion: The stallion protects the herd from external threats and ensures the continued existence of the group.
• Cooperation: There is a strong sense of community within the herd, which ensures cohesion and helps the animals to avoid conflict.

Adaptation to nature  

The Dülmen wild horses have adapted excellently to the conditions of the wild range in Dülmen :

• Robustness: They can withstand extreme weather conditions such as rain, cold and heat.
• Independence: The horses are able to find food on their own, even in lean times.
• Resilience: Their strong build and hard hooves make them ideal for life on uneven, often boggy ground.

A life in balance

The wild area of the Merfelder Bruch offers the Dülmen wild horses a life in balance with nature. Here they can live out their natural behavior and exist in an almost pristine environment. The Merfelder Bruch is not just a habitat, but a unique example of how man and nature can work together harmoniously to preserve a valuable heritage.

The Dülmen wild horse capture in the Merfelder Bruch

The annual wild horse capture in the Merfelder Bruch is one of the best-known traditional events in Germany and attracts numerous visitors to the habitat of the Dülmen wild horses every year. This unique custom not only serves to preserve the herd, but is also an important cultural event with great regional and historical significance.

A centuries-old ritual

The wild horse capture has been held annually in May since 1907. The aim is to regulate the population of the herd and to sustainably preserve the habitat of the wild horses in the Merfelder Bruch. The young stallions are captured in order to maintain the natural social structure of the herd and minimize conflicts between the animals.

The event has a long tradition and is organized by the von Croy family, the owners of the wild horse enclosure. It takes place in a specially designated area within the enclosure.

Wild horse trapping procedure

1. The preparation: First, the entire herd is rounded up and led into a large paddock where they are securely fenced in. Spectators can watch the action from special stands.
2. The selection: The young stallions, which are around one year old, are selected individually from the herd. This is done by experienced catchers who capture the animals with great skill and sensitivity.
3. The capture: The catchers grab the stallions with their bare hands, without any technical aids. This moment is particularly exciting, as the catchers have to react to the strength and temperament of the animals.
4. Placement: After capture, the young stallions are examined by a vet and then placed with new owners. They are often used as leisure horses or are kept on pastures to preserve the breed.

Culling wild horses is not only a means of population control, but also an important instrument for preserving the wildness and originality of the herd. By removing the young stallions, the social structure remains stable as only one stallion remains within the herd. Conflicts can thus be avoided and the herd remains harmonious.

The wild horse capture also has great cultural and touristic significance. It attracts several thousand visitors every year, who have the opportunity to experience the Dülmen wild horses up close and learn more about the history and conservation of these unique animals.

Where are there still wild horses in Europe today?

Wild horses have become rare in Europe, but there are some areas where they still live in the wild or in protected reserves. These are mostly feral horses or descendants of original wild horses that are preserved through targeted protection measures. Here is an overview of the most important wild horse populations in Europe:

Dülmen wild horses (Germany)

• Location: Merfelder Bruch, North Rhine-Westphalia
• Special features: The Dülmen wild horses are one of the last known wild horse populations in Central Europe. They live on a fenced-in area of around 360 hectares and are largely left to their own devices. The herd has been protected by the von Croy family since the 19th century.

Konik horses (Poland, Netherlands, Germany)

• Locations:  
  
  • Poland: Białowieża Forest, Biebrza National Park
  • Netherlands: Oostvaardersplassen, Gelderse Poort
  • Germany: nature reserves such as the Lower Oder Valley National Park
• Special features: Konik horses are considered to be descendants of the tarpan, an extinct European wild horse. They are often used in renaturation projects to preserve open landscapes. The horses usually live in large reserves under near-natural conditions.

Przewalski horses (Hungary, Germany)

• Locations: 
  
  • Hungary: Hortobágy National Park
  • Germany: Wildfreigehege im Merfelder Bruch, animal parks
• Special features: Przewalski's horses are the last true wild horses in the world. Although they originally come from Mongolia, there are also reintroduction projects in Europe. 

Camargue horses (France)

• Location: Camargue region in the south of France 
• Special features: Camargue horseslive semi-wild in the marshes and pastures of the Camargue. They are occasionally looked after by humans, but mostly live freely. This robust breed of horse adapts particularly well to damp and salty habitats.

Pottok horses (France, Spain)

• Locations: Pyrenees regions in the Basque Country 
• Special features: Pottok ponies are a small, native breed that lives semi-wild in the mountains and forests of the Pyrenees. They are traditionally used by the locals, but often live freely in their natural habitat.

Garrano horses (Portugal)

• Locations: Northern Portugal, Serra do Gerês 
• Special features: These small wild horses live in the mountainous regions of Portugal. They are known for their resilience and play an important role in maintaining the landscape in their home region.

Eriskay ponies (Scotland)

• Location: Hebridean Islands, in particular the island of Eriskay
• Special features: The Eriskay ponies are a small, semi-wild breed that lives on the remote Hebridean islands. They are considered to be descendants of Celtic ponies and have adapted perfectly to the harsh climate of the Scottish islands.

Rhaetian gray cattle and wild horse projects (Austria, Switzerland)

• Locations: Alpine regions in Austria and Switzerland 
• Special features: In some Alpine regions, wild horses or feral domestic horses are used for renaturation. These animals live in large reserves that allow them to live largely undisturbed.

FAQs: Everything you need to know

Who owns the wild horses in Dülmen?

The Dülmen wild horses belong to the von Croy family, who have been responsible for the protection and management of the herd since the 19th century.

Where can you find wild horses in Holland?

In the Netherlands there are wild horses, especially the Konik horses, which live in nature reserves such as the Oostvaardersplassen.

Are the Dülmen wild horses really wild horses?

Strictly speaking,the Dülmen wild horses are not true wild horses, but a feral breed of domestic horse. Genuine wild horses, such as the Przewalski's horse, have developed without human domestication.

Are Przewalski's horses real wild horses?

Yes, the Przewalski's horse is the only remaining wild horse breed that has never been domesticated. It originally comes from Mongolia, but also lives in European protected areas.

Where can you find wild horses in Europe?

Wild horses can be found in several European regions, including:

• Germany: Dülmen wild horses
• France: Camargue horses
• Poland/Netherlands: Konik horses
• Portugal: Garrano horses
• Scotland: Eriskay ponies
• Hungary: Przewalski's horses in protected areas

Where are there still free wild horses?

Wild horses can still be found in parts of North America (mustangs), Australia (brumbies) and in some European reserves.

What happens to the foals of the Dülmen wild horses?

Every year, young stallions are caught from the herd to prevent overpopulation. They are then auctioned off and find a new home.

How high are the auction prices for Dülmen wild horses?

The prices for auctioned stallions vary, but are usually between 500 and 2,000 euros, depending on demand and the individual suitability of the horse.

Where can you find wild horses in Andalusia?

In Andalusia, there are still isolated feral horse populations, especially in the marshlands of the Doñana National Park.

When is the wild horse capture in the Merfelder Bruch?

The traditional wild horse catch takes place every year on the last Saturday in May.

Where can you still find real wild horses?

The only real wild horses are the Przewalski's horses, which are kept in protected areas in Mongolia, China and also in Europe.

Can you go for a walk in the Merfelder Bruch?

The wild horse enclosure itself is not freely accessible, but there are numerous hiking trails in the surrounding area where visitors can explore the landscape.

Where can you still find wild horses today?

Wild horses still live in North and South America, Australia, Asia and in some European reserves.

How many wild horses live in the Merfelder Bruch?

The herd usually comprises around 300 to 400 animals in order to maintain a stable population.

Who owns the Merfelder Bruch?

The Merfelder Bruch belongs to the von Croy family, who manage the wild horse enclosure .

Where can you find wild horses in Hungary?

In Hungary, Przewalski's horses can be found in selected protected areas, especially in the Hortobágyi National Park.

Where can you find wild horses in the USA?

Mustangs are the best-known wild horses in the USA. They live mainly in the western states such as Nevada, Wyoming and Montana.

Can you ride Dülmen wild horses?

Yes, after appropriate training, Dülmen wild horses can be used as riding or leisure horses. They are well suited for light riders and children.

Are mustangs real wild horses?

No, mustangs are descendants of escaped domestic horses and are considered feral horses, not true wild horses.

Which horse breeds are wild horses?

The best-known wild or semi-wild horse breeds include:

• Przewalski's horses (real wild horses)
• Dülmen wild horses
• Konik horses
• Camargue horses
• Garrano horses
• Eriskay ponies
• Mustangs (feral domestic horses)
• Brumbys (Australian wild horses)

Why don't wild horses have to go to the farrier?

Wild horses use their hooves on natural ground and walk long distances, which means that the hooves wear out themselves. In the wild, they therefore do not need to be trimmed by a farrier.

Why don't wild horses need a dentist?

Wild horses eat rough, natural feed that naturally grinds down their teeth. Domesticated horses are often given softer feed, which is why teeth corrections are necessary.

Where can you find wild horses in the Camargue?

The famous white Camargue horses live in the marsh and coastal regions of the Camargue in southern France.

Where can you find wild horses in Australia?

The so-called Brumbys are Australia's wild horses. They live mainly in remote regions such as the Northern Territory and the Snowy Mountains.

Where can you still find wild horses in Germany?

In addition to the Dülmen wild horses, there are also other semi-wild horse populations, for example in the Döberitz Heath Game Reserves or the Lüneburg Heaths.