Konik horses Oostvaarder Marshes

It’s like being in Africa, only in the Netherlands the zebras don’t have stripes. These are konik horse, hardy beasts capable of taking a few knocks. You see them at work, for grazing is their core business. With their sharp teeth they help to keep the Oostvaarder marshland open, so that this unique nature reserve retains its character. The scene is one of untouched natural beauty, but don’t be deceived: in the Sixties this area was still washed by the waters of the Ijsselmeer. Man created Flevoland, but didn’t quite know what to do with this part of the polder. The animals seized the initiative and now the area is teeming with protected species. The konik horses were brought in later by conservationists, together with the other grazers: heck cattle and red deer. Do not disturb.