Italy – The wild horses of Aveto

Rinselvatichiti is the right term for those animals that belong to domestic species but, for various reasons, have lived free for several generations, have lost contact with humans, have stable characteristics and live in a defined area …. this is the case of the horses of Aveto, in Liguria. Discover now all our trips, tours, holidays and horse trekking in Italy. These horses have lived without contact with humans for more than fifteen years, they include generations born in the free state and have resumed the way of life of the wild horse, or of their ancestor who in Europe only died out at the beginning of last century. They live in an area rich in vegetation and water, suited to their needs and far enough away from busy roads. All this makes them rinselvatichiti or wild animals, able to live autonomously. They are black or bai, with a reddish-brown coat with a black mane and tail; the older ones had no owner, after working in the valleys and once left in the wild, they reproduced freely, consequently their number went from about ten to fifty.

The new generations have never had relations with man. In fact, their life and behavior, according to ethologists, are similar to those of the wild horses of America and Mongolia. Like their wild ancestors, they are divided into clans in which a stallion and a female have a dominant role and at a certain moment the young males and females leave the original group to create new ones. In the Parco dell’Aveto, there are all those characteristics that are ideal for their survival. Here, in fact, you will have the privilege of observing them, even if it is advisable not too closely and in silence, near the pools of water and streams where they go to drink before hiding in the beech woods, sheltered from the heat of summer and from the insects, while in the cool hours of the morning, it is easy to see the foals playing and running on the meadows. In addition to this, special horse-watching excursions are organized on the trail of wild horses: one or more days walking, guided by an expert naturalist who will accompany you to discover these wonderful animals and the naturalistic beauties of the park. So backpacking, hiking shoes, eyes wide open and a camera always ready cannot be missing. Add a little bit of curiosity and get ready to live an extraordinary experience to say the least. You can approach, even if with caution, real families of equines who have made their home in Liguria. Request information at [email protected]