Wild horses a draw in South African mining village

KAAPSEHOOP, South Africa – Wild horses roam freely in the South African village of Kaapsehoop, their origins unknown.

The town was founded on gold mining well over a century ago. Now both horses and history are tourist draws.

The horses roam along the Drakensburg escarpment, with its cool mountain climate offering sufficient grazing and water throughout the year.

Although tick-borne diseases take their toll, a major threat to the horses comes from humans. The creatures are often killed in accidents with speeding vehicles.

Though loyally protected by local residents, some of the horses still fall into abandoned mining pits. Others are poached for use in traditional medicines.