What is it with us - and me, the photographer, especially - and those Wild Horses of Langeland? Or maybe we should start with the question: what are the Wild Horses?
Langeland, an island located to the south of the central Danish island of Funen, is a place of contrasts. The north consists mainly of pretty coastal towns with a cozy marina and lots of pubs and restaurants. The south, on the other hand, counts less inhabitants and looks rougher with its grasslands. In order to avoid the grass to overgrow, the land needs grazing; hence, the introduction of a group of Exmoor ponies. The horses are 'wild', because there is as good as no human interference in their coming and going.
Since Lars and I visit the horses regularly - almost every time we are in Denmark, we know - of course - where to find them. To be honest, it is actually a matter of luck and patience. And some driving around. Sometimes, we don't even see them at all! So I was happy when last May, I saw three of them.
Maybe, it's because they can be so elusive, that the Wild Horses fascinate us... Or maybe, it is that rare combination of looking rough and elegant at the same time.
Anyway, we drove to another spot where we sometimes see the horses as well. But, no luck there... When we returned to our original place, a big group had joined the beautiful trio. Most of them went straight to a big puddle, making the whole scene even more picturesque.
The group now consists of 80 horses. And I think we saw most of them that day. You can approach them, but you must keep a distance of 50 meters; you are not allowed to take a pet with you and you may not feed them.
Don't those ponies look adorable? As a rule of thumb, you better stay away from them. Come a bit too close and you will encounter a very protective mother. And an encounter with the alpha male and female of the group can turn violent as well. Now, I am the first one to admit that I don't know how to distinguish those horses from the group. But as long as you keep your distance, it is quite safe.
Can you see the Wild Horses with public transport? A local bus can take you to the nearest town of Bagenkop, but then you need to do a lot of hiking to see them. Let's face it: it is a lot easier when you travel by car.