The protected herd of wild horses on North Carolina’s outer banks often wander to the beach for relief from heat and biting insects farther inland. |
Tourists come to North Carolina’s Currituck Outer Banks to enjoy the sandy beaches, ocean breezes, and the unique sight of wild horses wandering the shoreline. Preservationists of these horses, known Corolla Horses, are concerned that increasing interaction with these tourists is putting the horses at risk.
Earlier this summer, a young Corolla foal was found suffering from apparent malnutrition. Veterinarians intervened and tried to nourish the foal back to health, but he died after only two days in their care. A necropsy revealed that the foal suffered from an impaction and infected intestine. A resident reported that she had seen someone feeding the foal and its mother just days earlier.
The Currituck Wild Horse Ordinance prohibits anyone from getting closer than 50 feet to a wild horse. Petting or feeding the horses can result in a $500 fine. However, many tourists either aren’t aware of the rules or simply ignore them, putting the humans and horses at risk.
In response to the foal incident, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has hired three people to patrol the beach to help prevent future violations of the ordinance. Previously, most of the policing was done by volunteers. Additionally, a proposed new ordinance would require wild-horse tour operators to obtain a license, reducing the number of vehicles trailing the horses on the beach.
The stepped-up enforcement for the Corolla Horses follows a similar scenario on Assateague Island, Va., where interactions between tourists and wild ponies have resulted in dangerous situations for people and equines.
For more information on the Corolla Horses, visit www.corollawildhorses.com
After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a “horse girl” even when she hadn’t ridden…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
The nurse mare industry has been a source of controversy over the years, but practices are changing—meaning a better outlook…
Horse ownership comes with incredible rewards: the thrill of a pleasure ride, the camaraderie of competition, and the deep bond…
By tapping the power of neuroscience and the miracle of brain plasticity, spending just a few minutes a day practicing…
The U.S. horse slaughter industry is as hot-button an issue as there is. Find out where current legislation stands with…
View Comments
Soon they will have to put a fence around everything.
I didn't realized there were wild horses here. I hope they prosper.
This is the inevitable result of humans and nature being in close proximity.
I'd never heard of these horses! The foal dying is sad but it seems hard to prove the impaction came from being fed by a tourist. Impaction is not uncommon.
At least they are taking steps to protect them.