NIKKOS DASKALAKIS/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-39. These feral horses, in the high mountain deserts of Nevada, live in groups dominated by both an alpha mare and a stallion. Horses like this live without human assistance or interaction and can allow for examination of natural horse behavior. „ Horses have good peripheral vision, but have distinct blind spots, Figure 10-38. Avoid standing in these blind spots to prevent spooking the animal. „ It is a well-known fact that horses kick. Do not walk directly behind a horse within reach of its hind legs, and always ensure the horse is aware of your presence. „ When tying a horse, use a quick-release knot. This will allow you to prevent yourself and/or the horse from becoming injured should it be spooked. Wild Horses and Burros In the United States, there are still horses that some call wild, Figure 10-39. These “wild” horses are descendants of animals that escaped from the Spanish explorers in the fifteenth century. These horses are not actually classified as wild by scientific terms because they come from animals that have previously been domesticated. The correct term for animals that have historically been domesticated and now live in the wild with no human assistance is feral. Careful observation of these feral animals has helped horse behaviorists more accurately understand the instinctive behaviors of horses. Feral Horses and Burros in Western States Prior to 1971, the feral horse herds were allowed to roam largely across western states without human interaction. The 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act set forth regulations and policies for the management of these herds. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) currently has the responsibility for managing the feral horse population in the United States. Managing feral horses and burros is often a source of contention in the states where these animals roam. Herd numbers often exceed the number of animals that ranges can adequately support, and ranchers are concerned with cattle having to compete for grazing. Right eye Left eye Blind Both eyes Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-38. Horses have broad peripheral vision. They can see with both eyes out in front of them and to both their left and right sides with each respective eye. They also have a large blind spot behind them. Horses are large and often unpredictable animals in order to ensure both your own and the horse’s safety, keep the following tips in mind when working with or around horses: „ Always approach a horse from a slow and consistent speed quick movements can startle or spook the horse. „ Work with horses from an early age to help them become more comfortable around humans. „ Remember that horses have a well-developed “fight or flight” instinct. Never put a horse in a situation where it feels cornered. Did You Know? More than 49,000 wild horses and burros currently roam on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rangelands. 554 Principles of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.