We See Takhi Wild Horses in Hustai National Park

We’re in the lovely valley, full of rich herby, floral scent, alert for a sighting. Surrounded by steep hillsides, softened with eons of extremes, it’s green and, due to the lack of trees, the views are endless.

We squinted and strained to see two small groups of Takhi. These horses are the only truly wild horses on earth, known to Westerners as Przewalski’s horse, after the Polish researcher who first studied them. They were extinct in the wild, until years of research and commitment allowed them to thrive here in the Park. We’ve seen them close up at the Wild Animal Park (AKA Safari Park). But here, even with scopes, they were miniatures in the distance. Still, knowing about them, they were impressive as they casually nibbled and strolled in the grass.

Abruptly, one of our group, Tayea, came running, yelling and waving across the valley and we see a river of Takhi pouring down the hillside toward their evening river hangout. What a tremendous, thrilling sight: a harem of nine, including several youngsters.

After their sail down the hill, they settled in to nibble and sip at the creek that they call a river. I could barely breathe for the excitement.