The Wild Horses of the Ozarks
By RJ Ruotolo, Ozark Field Crew Member/ AmeriCorps Member
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Southeast Missouri is a special place—coming from someone living in the park for the year. The park has a unique river system comprised of the spring-fed Jack Forks and Current River, perfect for floating or spending some time on the water. It also has plenty of hiking trails, camping spots, and destinations full of the park’s rich history. But what truly makes this place unique is the wild horses.
In Shannon County, Missouri, where my crew is stationed, there’s about 50 wild horses that live in the area. These horses have been free roaming since the Great Depression when a private owner turned them loose, and they’ve been a staple of Eminence ever since. It wasn’t until October 3, 1996 when then-President Bill Clinton signed into law the federal protection and prohibited removal of the free-roaming horses of the Ozarks.
I’ve twice encountered the wild horses. I’d learned about the horses when I first moved here in February, but it wasn’t until April when I saw them for the first time. According to the Missouri Wild Horse League, there are four herds: Round Spring, Shawnee Creek, Broadfoot, and Rocky Creek. The herds are named for the locations they’re found in the Ozarks. The easiest herd to spot is the one in Shawnee Creek, which is where I first spotted them. While camping in Shawnee Creek campground, my friend and I walked onto a field and were surprised to find almost 20 horses gathered together. The herd ignored us and munched on prairie grasses. We excitedly took pictures of the horses from a distance, and one of the photos we took is my phone’s background picture.
The second time I had the honor of seeing them was when I was on a solo hike in Round Spring. Right where all the websites said they would be were four horses munching away in the field. This time around I was much too close for comfort than I was in Shawnee Creek. According to Tim Layton’s field guide, it’s against the law to be within 50 feet of the horses and the best practice is to back away diagonally from them. Even though I was a bit fearful of the proximity, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the magnificent horses.
The horses of Eminence hold a special place with the locals and tourists alike. I know they hold a special place in mine. There’s something magical about creatures we usually see as domestic, completely free roaming as truly wild horses. If you’re ever in the Ozarks, stop by Eminence, Missouri, and if you’re lucky enough, maybe a wild horse will also stop by.
Sources:
saveourwildhorses.net/missouri-wild-horses.html
www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/238/text
wildhorsesofmissouri.net/wild-horses-of-missouri-field-guide