Namib Desert Horse: Surviving in the Harshest of Environments
The Namib Desert Horse, also known as the Namib wild horse, is a rare breed that thrives in one of the most inhospitable areas of the world. They are the only feral horses found in Africa, surviving in the desolate and scorching desert terrain of Namibia. These horses have a remarkably compelling history and are considered a national treasure. In this article, we explore the breed’s history, temperament, height, characteristics, lifespan, colors, and health.
Namib Desert Horse History
The Namib Desert Horse descended from the horses brought by Germans to South West Africa (now known as Namibia) in the early 1900s to serve the military, farming, and forestry industries. When Germany lost its colonies, the horses, including camels, were released into the wild. Over time, a feral population emerged that was perfectly adapted to the harsh desert ecosystem.
Namib Desert Horse Temperament
Namib Desert Horses may appear wild, but they are calm and trustworthy. They have a graceful and swift gait and thrive in the wild but are also comfortable around humans. Due to their naturally wild nature, they are free-spirited and independent.
Namib Desert Horse Height
The average height of Namib Desert Horses is between 13 and 15 hands high, with a weight of around 500 kg.
Namib Desert Horse Characteristics
Namib Desert Horses have a lean and muscular body with long legs, large nostrils, and a sloping croup. They have a distinctive brownish-grey coat that can vary between light sandy-brown to dark brown or black. They also have a dark stripe running down their back, which helps dissipate heat during the day. Their thick tails end in a bushy puff of hair. This breed also possesses high endurance and is known for their resilience in the scorching sun and dry atmosphere.
Namib Desert Horse Lifespan
Namib Desert Horses have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years in the wild. The main factors affecting their lifespan include food availability, water, and predation.
Namib Desert Horse Colors
As per the Namibian Wild Horses Foundation, there are two types of Namib Desert horses, which are Brown and Bay. The Brown ones dominate the herd; however, a few Bay-colored horses are also present, which exhibit dark brown coats and black legs.
Namib Desert Horse Health
Following around 100 years in the desert terrain, these horses have tuned into their environment and have learned to adapt to every environmental condition. They know where to graze and drink, even when water sources are vital. However, dust storms and sporadic rainfall are the most significant threats to their survival and act as primary causes of respiratory infections. Due to the dry atmosphere, they commonly suffer from dry skin and cracked hooves. However, these horses have gradually adapted to these conditions, and thus, their breed has thrived over time.
Conclusion
The Namib Desert Horse, with its long-standing connection to the Namibian desert, is a rare and remarkable breed of horse. They embody survival, resilience, and a distinct ability to thrive in one of the roughest environments in the world. This breed of horse is not for everyone; however, their presence in this rugged area of Southern Africa has ensured that they remain one of the most awe-inspiring and fascinating wild breeds in the world. With such an impressive history and admirable characteristics, these horses embody natural beauty and the incredible resiliency of life.