The Wild Horses of BC’s Nemiah Valley
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Wild Adventures in Nemiah.
?Elegesi Qayus Wild Horse Preserve
The following excerpt is from the Friends of Nemiah Valley which works directly with the Xeni Gwet'in Wild Horse Rangers dedicated to the conservation of the ?Elegesi Qayus Wild Horse Preserve and the overall preservation of #XeniWildBC:
The Wild Horses of the Chilcotin
There are estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 wild or free-roaming horses in the Chilcotin. As many as 42% of these can be found within the declared title lands of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nations Government in 2002. The core Brittany Triangle area, lying between the Chilko and Taseko Rivers, contains about 200 truly wild, genetically distinct horses. The latter have experienced dramatic environmental and fire related environmental changes over the past ten years, yet continue to thrive and maintain their numbers, thus demonstrating considerable biological resiliency.
The Brittany and Nemiah Valley horses have achieved iconic status and have become the focus of intense global interest because of speculation as to their genetic and historic origins. They are the subjects of ongoing genetic analysis and cultural and ecological research by FONV, independent researchers, and graduate students.
Since the wild horse preserve declaration, they have been protected by a Xeni Gwet'in Wild Horse Ranger funded by FONV. In 2007 the Supreme Court of B.C. found that the Tsilhqot'in people had an aboriginal right to manage them for their own use.
Conservation through Education
June and July are the best times to see herds of wild horses in Nemiah Valley. They come down to the lower valley elevations to enjoy the fresh spring grass growing in the meadows.
There are few sights more magical than a herd of wild horses grazing with the Coast Mountains as their backdrop. Nemiah Valley Lodge opened in 2022 and began offering cultural sharing and education programs to guests from all over ther world which included wild horse viewing to see these rare animals in their natural environment.
Those who know horses well, know they can be sensitive and magical animals that have an innate presence that imparts a deeper sense of soulful understanding. Vistors to Nemiah will understand quickly that the natural environment of #XeniWILDBC where the horses roam very much imparts the same peaceful and soul-refeshing connection.
The Xeni Gwet’in community and the Lodge support a research and conservation-based approach to wild horse viewing for all visitors with a Xeni guide or ranger present, even though many of the wild horse herds will come down from the wilderness of #XeniWildBC, literally into the backyards of Nemiah’s community areas and on our Lodge property every summer. Photography from a distance is permitted, but people are required to give the herds ample space and freedom so they can remain wild, as this rare and inspirational opportunity for guests is an extraordinary experience for all who live and venture into BC’s Nemiah Valley.
“A highlight of their vacation, many guests have noted what a deep and spirtual connection the horses create for those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them.”
Wild Horse Viewing
