Chasing Wild Horses

May 22, 2014COMtnMom

Have you ever seen wild horses… living and running free?

Did you know such a thing still existed?

Here in the Wild West, you *can* still find wild horse herds.  Exciting, isn’t it?! (Or is it just me… the girl who used to cry herself to sleep at night, in wont of her own horse?)

There are even a few dedicated sections of government owned land set aside as wild horse preserves, to protect these lovely creatures.  Located in Western Colorado, the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge is one of three such ranges in the United States.

Colorado Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge sign

Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge

There are a few rules to accessing and enjoying the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge area, but for the most part they let outdoor enthusiasts have at it.  You can camp, hike, and horseback ride through this preserve… enjoying the scenery while you pursue your Ultimate Quest:  viewing wild horses.

Horses were re-introduced (post Ice Age) to North America by the Spaniards in the 1500’s.  Known as “mustanos”, those who escaped to form the early wild herds were later called “mustangs”.  Some of the Little Book Cliffs horses can trace their ancestry back to Indian ponies, but the majority are descendants from other horses who escaped from (or were turned loose by) local ranchers.

Either way, they run free free now.  It’s a beautiful thing to behold, and always a thrill when we spot some.

Colorado Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge Hiking Family

Chasing Wild Horses

It’s high mountain desert terrain here, which some may find a bit dull.  But we’ve learned to appreciate it’s unique brand of beauty, and have grown fond of the colorful rock formations, scrubby vegetation, and lizards ‘a plenty.  We enjoy our hikes here.

While we pursue our primary, exciting goal of the day (chasing wild horses), it offers the opportunity to enjoy other outdoor fun along the way.

Finding special, heavy rocks to tote along.  For 2 minutes.  Then ask mom to carry it.

Colorado Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge Hiking kids

Climbing is always my kids favorite part.  Getting as dirty as possible, a side bonus.

Colorado Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge Climbing Kids

And now what you’ve all been waiting for.  In the past, we’ve been known to see up to 6 wild horses in this area, and even a baby foal or two.

On this particular day, we only spotted one wild horse.  But he was majestic, and oh so worth the search… behold the beautiful wild Mustang!

Colorado Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge Mustang

You can read more information about the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Refuge, including the area rules and where best to find the horses.

*o*     *o*    *o*

I wrote this post to join in on the weekly feature Instagram Travel Thursday #IGTravelThursday – an initiative started by Skimbaco Lifestyle online magazine to connect travel and Instagram enthusiasts across borders.  Come and join them… you’ll find some fantastic travel bloggers to follow on Instagram!   You can follow me @co_mtnmom.

 

 

 

 

Comments (13)

  • Satu VW / Destination Unknown

    May 22, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    I’m so happy you joined us this week Tami!! And yes, in Devon, UK you can still find (kind of) wild ponies… They do roam free, but I think in theory they are owned by someone. Lovely post, I wouldn’t mind taking my kids to chase some wild horses one day… 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      May 22, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      Thanks, Satu – fun to finally join you! That’s very cool about the Devon wild ponies, I’m thinking I would like that quite a bit. Heading over to read your #IGTravelThursday post now… they are always good ones. 🙂

  • YashY

    May 22, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    Oh the places where the horses do roam… we live in a concrete jungle where just the cops ride around on horses but that’s the extent of our daily interactions. We rarely travel to the countryside on our journeys but I bet my toddler would be all over this!

    1. COMtnMom

      May 22, 2014 at 10:17 pm

      Ahh yes, I think it would hold universal appeal to any active toddler! That’s actually one of the things we love about taking our kids hiking… it’s a great way to use up all that fantastic energy they have (since they don’t share it with mom – ha!).

      Thanks so much for stopping by! Just checked out your blog, and enjoyed your post on ‘Doors Open Toronto’. 🙂

  • Reeta @houseofanais

    May 22, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    Oh wow, I have always wanted to see wind horses but never actually managed. I might have to go to Devon to chase those wild ponies as it’s a bit closer than Colorado. But if ever in Colorado, I’ll be sure to go wild horse spotting!

    1. COMtnMom

      May 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm

      I love that today I learned of the Devon wild horses, too!

      Thanks so much for stopping by, you have a lovely blog and I’m happy to have found you via #IGTravelThursday. 🙂

  • Leigh Powell Hines

    May 24, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I love the scenery behind you. So beautiful. What a great shot of that horse. We have wild horses on our Outer Banks, but I’ve not really seen them except from a distance. I’m so glad you joined us this week. I hope you do it again.

    1. COMtnMom

      May 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm

      If you like that type of scenery… then you should come visit us in Western Colorado, we have lots of it here! So interesting about the wild horses in Outer Banks – I need to look into that.

      Thanks Leigh! 🙂

  • Alison Chino

    May 25, 2014 at 8:02 am

    Strangely, I did not know the history of horses in the Americas. That is fascinating. I just assumed they had always been there. 🙂 Our family LOVES Colorado, so we’ll have to put this spot on our list for next time.

    1. COMtnMom

      May 27, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      Hey Alison! Just checked out your great blog… love it. Looks like you’ve spent time away from Scotland to visit the “Aspen to Crested Butte” area in Colorado, so you already know my stomping grounds. 🙂 Yes, come see our wild horses!

  • Candy Cook

    May 26, 2014 at 10:27 am

    So awesome! I love the photo of the wild mustang. We recently viewed some wild horses on Georgia’s Cumberland Island. They are really a sight to behold. 🙂

    1. COMtnMom

      May 27, 2014 at 4:58 pm

      Oooohh… another location to add to my list: Georgia’s Cumberland Island. Awesome! I’m beginning to think it would be a neat idea to gather together a “wild horses tour” for my family. 🙂

      Thanks for stopping by, Candy!

  • Nana J

    May 30, 2014 at 4:00 am

    What a wonderful “growing up” experience for the kids!!! Thanks for sharing and I hope someday to see a wild horse there too.

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