At the time of the discovery of America there were no wild horses in any part of the continent.
Soon, however, some of the horses brought over from Europe by the early settlers, wandered away, and now wild horses are to be met with in large numbers, in some cases as many as a thousand at a time.
They appear to be under the command of a leader, the strongest and boldest of the herd, whom they obey.
When threatened with danger, at some signal, understood by them all, they either close together and trample their enemy to death, or form themselves into a circle and welcome him with their heels.
The leader first faces the danger, and when he finds it prudent to retreat, all follow his rapid flight.
Byron thus describes a troop of wild horses:
"A trampling troop; I see them come!
In one vast squadron they advance!
I strove to cry—my lips were dumb.
The steeds rush on in plunging pride;