Explore Ruidoso’s Wild Side: The Wild Horses of Lincoln County

Roaming Free: Wild Horses of Ruidoso

If you spend any time exploring the backroads or quiet neighborhoods of Ruidoso, there’s a good chance you’ll catch sight of something extraordinary—a small herd of wild horses, grazing peacefully in the pines or moving together across an open field. These horses aren’t part of a tour or attraction. They are free-roaming descendants of ranch stock and mustangs that have lived in this region for generations.

Their presence is one of Ruidoso’s most unforgettable gifts—an unexpected brush with the wild in a place already rich with natural beauty. Locals and visitors alike often speak of the quiet awe they feel when encountering these horses up close, especially at dawn or dusk when the light turns golden and the landscape feels timeless.

But as magical as these moments are, they come with an important truth: wild horses live in a complex space between reverence and responsibility. Their increasing visibility—often near roads, trails, and residential areas—raises significant challenges for land use, safety, and habitat preservation.

If you’re lucky enough to see them during your visit, we ask that you admire them from a distance. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to interact. Slow down if you see horses near the road, and never assume they will move predictably.

Ruidoso is proud to be home to these iconic animals, and we encourage visitors to learn more about how communities, advocates, and land managers are working to ensure their protection and well-being for years to come.

Want to learn more? Visit the American Wild Horse website for an overview of New Mexico’s wild horse populations and ongoing preservation efforts.