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20-JUL-2014 Dick Keely

Namib Desert Horse

Aus, Namibia

This is a rare feral horse found in the Namib Desert of Namibia.
It is probably the only feral herd of horses residing in Africa, with a population ranging between 90 and 150.
It is athletic in appearance, resembling the European light riding horses from which it probably descends, and usually dark in color.
Despite the harsh environment in which they live, the horses are generally in good condition, except during times of extreme drought.
The most likely ancestors of the horses are a mix of riding horses and cavalry horses, many from German breeding programs, released from various farms and camps in the early 20th century, especially during World War I.
Whatever their origin, the horses eventually congregated in the Garub Plains, near Aus, Namibia, the location of a man-made water source.
Reference: Wikipedia


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