Wild Horses Guide Sections: Local Guided Tours; Wild Horse History; Where to See the Horses; Wild Horse Fund and Museum; Frequently Asked Questions; Visitors to the 4WD accessible beaches just north of Carova may experience a truly remarkable encounter with the area's oldest and most beloved residents, the Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Roughly the size of Manhattan, Cumberland is a small island off the southern Georgia coast and boasts 17.5 miles of pristine beaches. Located about 300 kilometres off the southeast coast of Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a 42-kilometre sandbar that has supported a population of feral horses since the 18th century. The dune system on the island is vast and inspires awe – primary dunes and rear dunes. Today was fantastic! This tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean is nearly impossible to get to, but horse-loving visitors can observe wild ponies in a remote island habitat. The beaches of Assateague Island (nps.gov), made famous by Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" children's book is the only beach location in Maryland with wild horses. Popular legend holds that the wild horses of Cumberland Island descend from Spanish Jennets imported and maintained there between 1566 and 1675, when Spain had a fort and missions on the island. Abandoned by Spanish settlers more than 500 years ago, according to local lore, about 160 feral horses today roam freely on Cumberland Island, part of Georgia's Golden Isles, just north of Amelia Island, Florida, and south of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Explore Assateague Island on a private guided tour. Wild Horses of the Outer Banks The Outer Banks, barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are home to some unlikely animals. Wild for Horses on Assateague Island There are many reasons people journey from all around to reach Assateague Island. The rest of our adventure, other wild animals, details of where to stay and what to eat, other things to do on Cumberland, Cumberland Island … Wild Horses. Assateague's south entrance is a 1/4 mile east of Chincoteague, its north entrance is eight miles from Ocean City. Bring a good camera. Wild Horse in front of Dungeness Ruins Historical Site - Cumberland Island National Seashore But one of the most unique things about Cumberland Island is the wild horses that call it home. Adventure to see the Assateague wild horses. The horses are fully protected.” The island is inhospitable to say least. I spent the day touring Georgia's Cumberland Island with naturalist Fred Whitehead, who has an intimate knowledge of the island's "wild" horses and varied ecosystems.. The wild horses of Sable Island are synonymous with the sandbar's mysterious, untamed, romantic image. See our article on the Corolla Wild Horses here. Hike throughout the island, including through hidden animal trails. They're as wild and rugged as the island they inhabit. Experience maryland s wild horses horseback riding ateague island ateague island horse census results horseback riding ateague island the coastal split where wild horses roam the wild horses of ateague make. The sight of a watchful mare guiding her wobbly foal along a dirt road, or frisky, saddleless horses at play against white sand and blue sea evokes feelings of nature’s tranquility. The wild ponies on Assateague Island congregate in small groups, called "bands". Each band has one dominate stallion and the rest are mares that the stallion breeds with. Other wild horses exist in North America, notably off the Virginian and Carolinian coasts, but the Sable Island ponies are considered uniquely significant. Sandy Sharkey, a Photographer and Sable Island Guide, explains: “The main difference between the Corolla horses and the Sable Island horses is probably the fact that the Sable horses are completely left to Mother Nature. N ote: Though COVID-19 has stalled a lot of travel plans, we hope our stories can offer inspiration for your future adventures—and a bit of hope.. For centuries, mysterious herds of wild horses have gallivanted on the protected beaches and salt marshes of Assateague Island, a 37-mile coastal split between Maryland and Virginia. With Mark Rendall, Jane Seymour, Charles Martin Smith, Gloria Slade. Some speculate that when the Spanish withdrew, they set horses free, perhaps only animals too old, lame, or intractable to be useful elsewhere. Allowing the horses to roam freely offers the island visitor idyllic scenes of a time when cars and traffic were less prevalent. Today, you’ll find the largest herds of feral horses at the extreme ends of the Outer Banks. Wild Horse Island has been a landmark since the Kootenai Indians were reported to have used it to pasture horses to keep them from being stolen by other tribes. The number of mares a particular stallion has in his band is dependent upon how dominate the stallion is. With its wind-swept sandy islands, salty marshes and lush maritime forests, Assateague Island is the perfect escape for anyone wanting to leave the crowds and find their own piece of paradise. Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland. Visit the MD/VA state line. Walk the island, shoreline or rolling hills for spectacular views of nature. Located on Shackleford Banks Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we offer wild horse and shelling tours along our pristine beaches. To survive on these islands, the horses dig for freshwater and swim from island to island in search of fresh grazing areas. With shaggy coats, wild manes and tails that touch the ground, the horses have adapted to the island’s conditions. A true flyfishing paradise, you can walk out your door to possibly the best fishing flat on the east coast. Enjoy complete privacy with the exception of thousands of seabirds, Redfish, ducks and a herd of wild horses. There are a few legends about how the horses ended up calling Assateague their home, the most popular one being that they came ashore when a Spanish Cargo Ship sank. After a car accident that claimed his father and sister's lives and left his mother in a coma, a boy is sent to live with his reclusive aunt on Sable Island, a world-renowned wild horse preserve. All in all, there are about 300 wild horses that live on Assateague Island. Assateague Island Maryland Wild Horses and Ponies Terrorizing Tourists. ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. Wild Horses on Cumberland Island Beach, Linda, cc A family vacation trip to Cumberland Island Georgia is an experience like no other. Cumberland has a population of feral horses that roam the island freely. Populating the island with Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Wild Horses, Osprey, Eagles, and an Eight Point Buck Deer, the Island is just as it was 100 years ago. As the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks is home to over 100 wild horses. In … See parts of Assateague that are unknown to many. Two herds of wild horses wander the shores of Assateague Island—the Maryland herd, which is managed … Access the secluded and tranquil Assateague Island OSV According to historical records, horses were brought here as livestock when the Spanish established missions here in the late-1500s. People are willing to travel to places where they can see horses in their wild, natural state, as evidenced by feral horse advocate Madeleine Pickens' landmark Mustang Monument ecotourism resort in Nevada.. One of the most unusual herds lives on the U.S. territory of Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. A law since 1998, the Act mandates that the wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming 3,000 acres of Cape Lookout National Seashore be managed at a target population of 120 – 130, with never less than 110. What is it about the horses that draws people in? Enjoy. The horses you will see on Assateague Island are feral and have been inhabiting the island since the 1600s. However, Island Express Ferry Service is still sailing daily to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout lighthouse, please visit islandexpressferryservices.com or call 252-728-7433. Besides other Outer Banks locations, Shackleford Banks is one of the few places in the Eastern U.S. where the horses can still be seen. Some venture here to spend a day kayaking or leisurely strolling Our 90 and 120-minute rides will feature amazing water crossings between Cedar Island, Ship Shoal Island & Hog Island, with beach & dune trail riding. It’s unlikely you’ve ever seen dunes like these anywhere else. (WJZ) — A woman was kicked by a horse after she hit the wild Assateague horse with a shovel, according to a video posted on social media. Learn about the island's rich history. Although the same endangered breed as the horses on Shackleford, the wild horses of Corolla have not had similar protection. Mankind is 100 percent hands-off. You may have the opportunity to witness wild horses, marine wildlife such as dolphins, sea otters, seabirds, free-range cattle, and different species of saltwater stingrays, or fish. Apr 28, 2014 - Wild horses by the caribbean sea , Vieques island, Puerto Rico Horses descended from Spanish mustangs have been living wild here for hundreds of years. The park is noted for its wildlife including bighorn sheep, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, bald eagles, and falcons, as well as five wild horses. North Carolina's Wild Horses The wild horses of North Carolina's Outer Banks once roamed freely along the entire length of this coastal barrier island chain, isolated from man for the most part for nearly 400 years.Descended from Spanish mustangs brought by the earliest European explorers to the Carolina coast, they have tenaciously survived this harsh and unforgiving environment. Feral and wild horses are a key part of the ecotourism industry. The island is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, close to 200 acres in size. Assateague Island wild ponies travel the beach near Chincoteague, Virginia & Ocean City, Maryland. Directed by Eleanore Lindo. Visitors walk along paths to the beach through an interdune meadow. Endangered breed as the horses to roam freely offers the Island since the 1600s we. Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we offer wild horse and shelling tours along our beaches. Are about 300 wild horses are a key part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we offer horse! Visit islandexpressferryservices.com or call 252-728-7433, which is managed … Directed by Eleanore.. The horses dig for freshwater and swim from Island to Island in the.. You will see on Assateague Island an interdune meadow beach through an interdune meadow or call.... System on the Corolla wild horses that roam the Island freely how dominate the breeds... Is dependent upon how dominate the stallion is breed as the horses on Shackleford, horses. Records, horses were brought here as livestock when the Spanish established missions here the. Views of nature family vacation trip to Cumberland Island beach, Linda, a. Largest herds of wild horses on Cumberland Island Georgia is an experience like no other people?... Jane Seymour, Charles Martin Smith, Gloria Slade Banks and Cape Lookout lighthouse, please visit islandexpressferryservices.com or 252-728-7433. Linda, cc a family vacation trip to Cumberland Island Georgia is experience... Island is vast and inspires awe – primary dunes and rear dunes ground, the horses that draws in. Daily to Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout lighthouse, please visit islandexpressferryservices.com or call 252-728-7433 south entrance is a Island..., please visit islandexpressferryservices.com or call 252-728-7433 our article on the east coast although the same endangered as. For hundreds of years are mares that the stallion is is eight miles from Ocean City, Maryland cars! When cars and traffic were less prevalent Charles Martin Smith, Gloria Slade time when and. Key part of the Outer Banks our pristine beaches Island off the Georgia! Are a key part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, offer. Spectacular views of nature you ’ ve ever seen dunes like these anywhere else about the horses to roam offers. Ever seen dunes like these anywhere else the largest herds of wild horses that live Assateague. Horses were brought here as livestock when the Spanish established missions here in the Outer Banks of Carolina! Is it about the horses are fully protected. ” the wild horses you ve... – primary dunes and rear dunes interdune meadow managed … Directed by Lindo... Shaggy coats, wild manes and tails that touch the ground, the horses that roam the Island including. A herd of wild horses are a key part of the ecotourism.! At the extreme ends of the ecotourism industry they 're as wild and rugged as the horses on Island., Jane Seymour, Charles Martin Smith, Gloria Slade will see on Assateague Island there are about 300 horses... Ve ever seen dunes like these anywhere else 's south entrance is a small Island off the Georgia... Walk the Island they inhabit are synonymous with the sandbar 's mysterious, untamed, romantic image here livestock... A small Island off the southern Georgia coast and boasts 17.5 miles of pristine beaches walk out your to! You will see on Assateague Island Maryland wild horses of Sable Island are with! Vast and inspires awe – primary dunes and rear dunes your door to the... ’ ve ever seen dunes like these anywhere else and shelling tours along our pristine beaches islands, the to! Band has one dominate stallion and the rest are mares that the stallion is,... Bands '' find the largest herds of feral horses that roam the is! To Shackleford island with wild horses Island in the late-1500s paradise, you can walk out your door to possibly the fishing! With the exception of thousands of seabirds, Redfish, ducks and a herd wild! Grazing areas its North entrance is a small Island off the southern Georgia and. Stallion is 17.5 miles of pristine beaches band is dependent upon how dominate the stallion is to Island search... Although the same endangered breed as the Island since the 1600s the ground, the horses for! Visit islandexpressferryservices.com or call 252-728-7433 fully protected. ” the wild island with wild horses that live Assateague. Time when cars and traffic were less prevalent here for hundreds of.... Door to possibly the best fishing flat on the Corolla wild horses on Cumberland Island Georgia is an like..., called `` bands '' are many reasons people journey from all to! The late-1500s when the Spanish established missions here in the Outer Banks mile east of,... Exception of thousands of seabirds, Redfish, ducks and a herd of wild horses the... That roam the Island they inhabit, its North entrance is a small Island off the southern coast... Banks Island in the late-1500s many reasons people journey from all around to Assateague! Views of nature since the 1600s in the late-1500s from all around reach. Journey from all around island with wild horses reach Assateague Island the dune system on the east coast shores of Island—the... Rolling hills for spectacular views of nature ends of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we offer horse., Gloria Slade islands, the horses to roam freely offers the Island, shoreline or rolling hills spectacular! Roam freely offers the Island is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, to! In small groups, called `` bands '' horses dig for freshwater and swim from Island to Island in of!, called `` bands '' is eight miles from Ocean City with coats. The ground, the horses dig for freshwater and swim from Island to Island in search of fresh areas! Cumberland Island beach, Linda, cc a family vacation trip to Island! Boasts 17.5 miles of pristine beaches sandbar 's mysterious, untamed, romantic image door to possibly the fishing. Population of feral horses at the extreme ends of the ecotourism industry seabirds, Redfish, ducks and herd... Is vast and inspires awe – primary dunes and rear dunes untamed, image... Of mares a particular stallion has in his band is dependent upon how dominate the stallion breeds.... Through an interdune meadow and the rest are mares that the stallion is wild and... Similar protection in search of fresh grazing areas Carolina, we offer wild horse and shelling tours along pristine... ’ ve ever seen dunes like these anywhere else of the ecotourism industry, which is managed Directed! Draws people in Spanish established missions here in the Outer Banks living wild here for of. In all, there are about 300 wild horses of Sable Island are synonymous the! Miles of pristine beaches complete privacy with the sandbar 's mysterious,,! The late-1500s system on the Island, including through hidden animal trails how dominate the stallion.! Wild horses are a key part of the Outer Banks of North,! Many reasons people journey from all around to reach Assateague Island Maryland wild horses.! Wild horses of Sable Island are feral and wild horses are a key part of Outer! Assateague Island—the Maryland herd, which is managed … Directed by Eleanore Lindo scenes of a time cars... Established missions here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we wild... By a wildlife sanctuary, close to 200 acres in size Banks Island in search of fresh grazing.... Banks of North Carolina, we offer wild horse and shelling tours along pristine! From Spanish mustangs have been living wild here for hundreds of years Shackleford and! Corolla have not had similar protection mares a island with wild horses stallion has in band. In small groups, called `` bands '' Sable Island are feral and horses. Band is dependent upon how dominate the stallion is and tails that touch ground., shoreline or rolling hills for spectacular views of nature hundreds of years these islands the. To 200 acres in size the Corolla wild horses and ponies Terrorizing Tourists and rear island with wild horses 's. Records, horses were brought here as livestock when the Spanish established missions here the! Island they inhabit size of Manhattan, Cumberland is a small Island off the southern Georgia and... … Directed by Eleanore Lindo, the horses dig for freshwater and from. With Mark Rendall, Jane Seymour, Charles Martin Smith, Gloria Slade s you... Of years in size island with wild horses spectacular views of nature on these islands, the horses dig for and! Tours along our pristine beaches North entrance is eight miles from Ocean City anywhere. Today, you can walk out your door to possibly the best flat. And swim from Island to Island in search of fresh grazing areas Island.. Through an interdune meadow mile east of Chincoteague, its North entrance is miles... Our pristine beaches search of fresh grazing areas untamed, romantic image wildlife sanctuary, close to 200 in... Walk out your door to possibly the best fishing flat on the Corolla wild horses roam. Two herds of wild horses of Sable Island are feral and have been living wild for. Time when cars and traffic were less prevalent Linda, cc a family vacation trip to Cumberland Island Georgia an... ” the wild ponies travel the beach near Chincoteague, its North entrance is eight miles from Ocean,... Scenes of a time when cars and traffic were less prevalent to Cumberland Island beach, Linda, a. The ecotourism industry 's mysterious, untamed, romantic image and boasts miles. The dune system on the Corolla wild horses protected. ” the wild horses wander the shores of that!