Wild horses in Dülmen

Steam rises from their bodies, they move attentively but relaxed - whoever sees the wild horses for the first time in early spring in the early morning will not forget the sight so quickly. The wild horses live in the Merfelder Bruch near Dülmen all year round. For ages, on the property of the Duke of Croy, there has been a wild horse track where up to 400 animals can move around naturally.

The nature reserve, which covers about 3.2 square kilometres, is characterised by its very diverse vegetation: Oak and coniferous forests alternate with pastures, heathland and birch scrub. In this way, the wild horses find exactly the varied habitat they need without having to make do with human help. Humans do not intervene in the case of diseases or births, and only in hard winters are they fed in some places. As a result, a hardy herd emerged that is now considered the last wild horse herd in Europe.