If your experience with horses has been limited to those that are domesticated, witnessing them in their wild state is truly awe-inspiring.
Has you ever witnessed a horse running freely? It’s an uncommon and awe-inspiring scene. Luckily, there are several locations where you can yet experience the sheer splendor of a wild horse—untamed and magnificent—as they gallop over the terrain.
Although often called "wild," the free-ranging horses found throughout the United States are actually considered feral since their ancestors were domesticated. These equines primarily descend from creatures that broke away from Spanish explorers, U.S. Cavalry troops, Native American tribes, or cattle herders and managed to thrive in nature long enough to reproduce. Today, these animals can be spotted roaming prairies, mountainous regions, and coastal areas all over America; however, their population has significantly dwindled compared to historical figures.
Impressive and robust, horses are breathtaking creatures. Even though their natural habitats where they live freely are few, various regions in the South provide opportunities for people to observe them from afar.
Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island, one of Georgia's biggest coastal islands, hosts a population of roughly 150-200 wild horses. These creatures trace their ancestry back to various modern breeds such as Tennessee Walkers, American Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Paso Finos. Accessible only by boat, the island remains secluded. tourists can ride a ferry From St. Mary’s to admire its natural beauty.
Recently, the Cumberland Island horse population has become entangled in a legal dispute. These animals receive no management from organizations or park services, leading to scarce resources such as food, water, and veterinary attention. Supportive groups are striving to secure additional assistance for this wild herd, whose life expectancy is significantly shorter compared to regular horses.
They can be clearly spotted along Cumberland's shoreline, feeding on sea oats or scruffy plants as they graze among the dunes across the island's 18 miles of pristine beach. These horses frequently wander through the tabby ruins, sometimes accompanied by their foals. Visitors are advised not to approach them closely. Although the horses might seem friendly and curious, they tend to be quite unpredictable and are better observed from a slight distance.
The storied Greyfield Inn It stands as the sole commercial establishment on the island, being both owned and run by the Carnegie family. Originally constructed in 1900 as an escape for them, this hotel became a notable location over time. The wedding celebration for John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette held in 1996 Visitors have the option to reside in one of 15 available rooms as they explore walks along sandy paths beneath towering old trees. The property offers educational programs focused on the local maritime forests and wetlands, alongside meals prepared with produce sourced directly from the hotel’s own gardens through a farm-to-table concept. Additionally, you might consider staying at neighboring Amelia Island before embarking on a memorable excursion via boat over to Cumberland Island.
North Carolina
Corolla
The origin story of the wild horses that roam this portion of the Outer Banks is quite amazing.
Known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," the shoreline of Corolla is shallow, with unpredictable sandbars that move and change with the ocean currents. As its name indicates, it's known for many shipwrecks. Hundreds of years ago, Spanish Mustangs escaped from these disastrous trips and swam to land, surviving to run in herds. These Banker Horses can still be seen there today.
People who want to see the local wild horses have several choices. One option is renting a Jeep for a self-directed exploration trip into the area. Currituck National Wildlife Refuge or go on an excursion with a guide.
The Corolla Wild Horse Preservation Group oversees the care and well-being of the horses. Based in the Historic Old Village of Corolla, visitors can contribute to their initiatives and gain knowledge about the Banker horse breed.
On Shackleford Banks, which is the southernmost part of the Outer Banks, you'll find a group of wild horses roaming freely. Accessing this remote location requires traveling approximately three miles from the mainland via boat since it's not reachable by land. Additionally, an enclosed 180-acre sanctuary houses a modest population of these animals on nearby Ocracoke Island.
Virginia
Chincoteague and Assateague Wild Pony Swim
Do you recall the book? Misty of Chinconteague By Marguerite Henry? The tale revolves around a wild mare named Phantom and her foal, Misty, which earned the Newbery Medal in 1948 and later became a film in 1961. Although the actual Misty was born in confinement, the narrative captures the essence of the yearly wild horse roundups and the famous Pony Swim event. Chinconteague to Assateague —the two barrier islands located on Virginia and Maryland’s coastline, straddling the state borders—are entirely genuine.
A boundary fence stretches along the border between Virginia and Maryland, dividing herds of horses into separate groups. The ones closest to the south belong to the owners. Chinconteague Volunteer Fire Company The saltwater cowboys manage the herd's size by hosting an annual pony auction every last Thursday in July. They drive the horses from the Virginia part of Assateague across the waterway to Chincoteage This year commemorates the 99th edition of the swimming event, where the foals are sold at auction.
The horses residing on the Maryland part of Assateague Island receive care from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The population within this herd consists of roughly 150 individuals, with approximately 50 being kept near the roadside for easier viewing by tourists.
The swimming competition is a beloved activity for both visitors and residents. A variety of activities take place, such as a procession following the horses' rest period and a festive fair. Witnessing skilled equestrians guide the herd across the waterway is quite spectacular. The first horse to touch the shore earns the title of King or Queen Neptune and gets tagged for drawing at the festivities.
The proceeds from the sale and the auction go to provide veterinary care for the horses, as well as supporting the volunteer firefighters. There’s also a chance to buy naming rights for ponies that stay with the herd. Funds for at least one horse are donated to chosen local charities. The day is full of goodwill, including support for The Feather Fund , a nonprofit organization set up to assist worthy children in purchasing their dream horse at auction.
Related: The Top 20 Most Stunning Locations in Virginia, As Chosen By a Local Resident
South Carolina
The Carolina Marsh Tacky
South Carolina's official state horse, the Marsh Tacky, is a strong, sure-footed breed tracing back to the horses brought by 16th-century Spanish explorers. Known for their composure and athleticism, these horses were esteemed as reliable steeds and even contributed to American success during the Revolutionary War. Under Brigadier General Francis Marion I rode this steady horse through the swamp to overcome the British forces, which marked a shift in the course of the war.
These horses roamed freely on the barrier islands. the Lowcountry Often rounded up and utilized as reliable mounts and for agricultural purposes by nearby farmers, they were completely evacuated from the islands in the 1980s because of their declining population and diminishing habitat due to developmental activities. Even though the breed was robust, their number had diminished to roughly 100 individuals a few years back before conservation efforts intervened.
Although the horses once roamed freely, Daufuskie Island’s shoreline , visitors to the island can observe the initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the herd within their natural environment at the restoration area. Daufuskie Island Marsh Tacky Society .
The first Marsh Tacky born On the secluded island in 40 years, Estelita came into the world in 2018 when the horses were kept safe in better pastures due to Hurricane Matthew. This filly became the inaugural birth among several others on the island, such as her sibling Mateo, who likewise originated from that period encompassing the storm.
Related: The 8 Most Stunning Spots Along the South Carolina Coast
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