The wild horse and its key role in nature

Many nature reserves work with herds of Konik horses. ARK also frequently work with these Konik Polski (Polish for “little horse”) in the nature reserves it manages. In 2013, ARK and FREE Nature introduced Exmoor ponies to the Loozerheide in Limburg. Unlike cattle, horses graze on short, young grass. Throughout the summer, they graze small meadows down to the ground, while the rest of the area is left undisturbed. As these pastures yield less and less in the course of autumn, the animals also go elsewhere to find food. They then take advantage of the ground prepared by cattle, which prefer coarser vegetation. Together with other grazers, the wild horse plays an important role in nature. ARK illustrator Jeroen Helmer captured this key role in his artwork.