Thinning the Herd: Tehachapi Wild Horses Running Home (To You)

It's awesome when you first see them – a hundred beautiful black wild horses cavorting in their own mystical valley just a few dozen miles from the city of Tehachapi. These are the wild horses of Oak Creek, who live and play in a secluded private canyon surrounded by the Tehachapi mountains. They are most likely descendents of once-domesticated animals and might correctly be called feral. Their confirmation (and DNA) indicates descent from the sturdy, strong Morgan breed. Diana and Steve Palmer, who live in the canyon, are caretakers of the herd. According to Diana, there were several Morgan horse breeders in Kern County in the early 1900s.

The Palmers arrange for an annual veterinarian visit and keep an eye out for injuries or other problems. While the animals are not tame, they are accustomed to humans and will gladly nuzzle a visitor who promises a treat of alfalfa hay. For Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenges in 2014 and 2015, trainers worked with a wild horse each and turned out exceptional riding and working animals in the space of a few months. Another Challenge is planned for 2017. Life is good for the herd, and it needs to be thinned down to remain healthy and sustainable. Persons interested in adopting one of the horses can check out the web site oakcreekwildhorses.com and contact the Palmers at (661) 771-2014 or (661) 333-0745; Diana's email is [email protected].