Wild horses near Lithgow captured to control feral population in Newnes State Forest

A mob of brumbies roaming the Central Tablelands of New South Wales has ecologists and horse enthusiasts divided, and how they got there remains a mystery. Key points: A growing number of brumbies have been identified near Lithgow An operation to capture and rehome the animals recently trapped 12 horses Many believe the horses are from the Snowy Mountains and were left in the Newnes State Forest Feral horse numbers have been steadily on the rise in the Newnes State Forest, near Lithgow, since they were officially recorded about six years ago, although sightings date back further. "They were relocated from Kosciuszko National Park and the horses that couldn't be broken in or couldn't be sold to the knacker for whatever season were just dumped in Newnes State Forest," Mr Jonkers said. Mr Morris said he knows the person who adopted approximately 10 horses from the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Riverina to "save" them by setting them free in the forest. In a statement, National Parks and Wildlife Service said the existing rehoming program was governed to "strict criteria" to ensure the welfare of horses.