WILD HORSES OF MISSOURI
BROADFOOT HERD
The Broadfoot herd is probably the second most popular herd because they are frequently found in and around the Broadfoot fields.
Don't let that statement fool you because I have gone for months without seeing them. After a big roundup in 2019 as part of the management protocol, we didn't see them for about 5 months until this spring.
You can view the photographs of the current and historical members of the Broadfoot herd below this paragraph.
The members of each herd changes over time because of several factors. Lead stallions are known for visiting other herds and bands to steal mares. Yes, that is correct, the stallions literally swoop in and steal mares from other herds.
Also, because of the monitoring and management of the herd per the law, sometimes members are gathered up to keep the size of the herds within the bounds of the legal agreement.
BROADFOOT HERD
Last First Hand Sighting:
May 22, 2021: 16 horses verified (4 foals) (1 new foal since 4/25/21)
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HISTORY OF THE WILD HORSES OF MISSOURI
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system and the only place in the state where wild horses still roam free. It hasn't been an easy path for the wild horses over the last 100 years and it would be foolish to think current conditions couldn't change and put the horses back in danger again. During the 1980s the National Park Service announced a plan to remove the wild horses, and people were outraged. In 1993 the U.S. Supreme Court denied a final appeal to protect the horses and gave the National Park Service the right to remove the horses from federal land at their discretion. The national park service started the process of removing the wild horses in a way that was profoundly upsetting to local residents and horse lovers around the country. The people of Shannon County and horse lovers around the country rallied together and the Wild Horse League of Missouri was formed.
Their tireless efforts paid off, and President Clinton signed a bill into law on October 3, 1996, to make the wild horses of Shannon County a permanent part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Now, people from around the world visit Shannon County in hopes of seeing these majestic wild horses. The Missouri Wild Horse League works with the National Park Service to capture some of the horses when the herd exceeds 50. The captured horses are taken into care and evaluated before being adopted by loving families for permanent homes. It is important to remember that these horses are wild. When looking for them, be sure not to approach them or attempt to feed them. It is essential to keep these animals wild and free, and for you to be safe. The horses are big, strong, and unpredictable and for your own safety as well as theirs, keep a safe distance of 100 yards or more between you and the horses. |
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The Wild Horses of Missouri are generally organized into 4 herds and 5 bands to include: Shawnee Creek, Broadfoot, Round Spring, and Rocky Creek. You can click on each of the herd names and review the latest information about each herd. If you would like to get more information on where to find the Wild Horses of Missouri, review my detailed online guide for the latest information. |
BROADFOOT HERD TRACKING HISTORY
January 2, 2022 Did not find the herd today
August 06, 2021 Missouri Wild Horse League Rounded Up 6 Bachelor Colts Leaving a Reported 9 horses in the herd which is 1 short from my verified count of 16 on May 22, 2021. I will verify soon.
August 03, 2021 Did not find the herd today.
August 01, 2021 Did not find the herd today. MWHL has catch pin setup in front of the fields.
May 22, 2021: 16 horses verified (4 foals)
May 09, 2021: 16 horses verified (4 foals) (1 new foal since 4/25/21)
April 25, 2021: 15 horses verified (3 foals)
January 27, 2021: 14 horses verified (first major snow of this winter)
January 20, 2021: 14 horses verified (unsure about 15th, need to verify again)
January 16, 2021: Did not find the herd today
December 12, 2020: 15 horses verified (BF)
November 21, 2020: 15 horses verified (BF)
August 01, 2020 (15 horses verified with 2 foals) (BF)
July 18, 2020: Found part of the herd today in back pocket (BF)
July 4, 2020: Did not find the herd today
March 29, 2020: 15 horses verified (2 foals) (BF)
March 7, 2020: 15 horses verified (2 foals now) (BF)
February 23, 2020: 14 horses verified (1 foal) (BF)