If your experience with horses has been limited to those that are domesticated, encountering them in their wild state is truly awe-inspiring.
Have you ever witnessed a horse running freely? It’s an uncommon and awe-inspiring scene. Thankfully, there are several locations where you can yet experience the sheer splendor of wild horses—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 mostly trace back to beasts that broke away from Spanish conquistadors, U.S. Cavalry troops, Native Americans, or cattle herders and managed to thrive in nature long enough to reproduce. You can find these creatures roaming over vast prairies, rugged mountain ranges, and sandy shores all around America; however, their population today is significantly smaller compared to historical times.
Impressive and robust, horses are truly magnificent creatures. Despite the fact that areas where they can run wild and free have become scarce, there are multiple locations in the Southern regions that permit tourists to observe them from afar.
Georgia
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Off the coast of Georgia lies Cumberland Island, which boasts a population of approximately 150-200 wild horses. These equines trace their ancestry back to various modern breeds such as Tennessee Walkers, American Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Paso Finos. Accessible only by boat, this island remains secluded from mainland roads. Visitors have the option to use the ferry. From St. Mary’s to admire its natural splendor.
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. Groups dedicated to animal welfare are striving to secure better support for this wild herd, whose life expectancy is significantly shorter compared to that of an average horse.
They can be clearly spotted along Cumberland's shoreline, feeding among the sand dunes where they munch on sea oats or scrawny plants covering the island’s 18 miles of unspoiled coastline. These animals frequently wander through the remains of ancient tabby structures, sometimes accompanied by their young. Visitors are advised not to approach them closely. Although the horses might seem friendly, they tend to be quite erratic and are better observed from a slight distance.
The storied Greyfield Inn It stands as the sole commercial enterprise on the island, owned and managed by the Carnegie family. Originally constructed in 1900 as an escape for them, this hotel also served as the location where various events took place. The wedding celebration of John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette held in 1996 Visitors have the option to reside in one of 15 distinct rooms as they explore scenic paths along sandy trails beneath towering old-growth trees. The property offers educational programs focused on understanding maritime forests and wetland ecosystems, alongside meals sourced directly from the hotel’s own produce gardens. Additionally, you might consider staying at a neighboring location like Amelia Island before embarking on a memorable excursion via boat over to Cumberland Island for a full day adventure.
North Carolina
Corolla
The backstory of the wild horses wandering through this part of the region Outer Banks is quite amazing.
Referred to as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," the coast of Corolla features a shallow shoreline characterized by shifting sandbars that alter course due to ocean currents. Consistent with its title, it has been the site of numerous shipwrecks throughout hundreds of years. Spanish Mustangs fled from these calamitous journeys and made their way to shore, surviving to roam in groups. You can still spot these Banker Horses in the area nowadays.
Tourists looking to spot the local wild horses have several choices. One option is renting a Jeep for a self-directed exploration 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 island of the Outer Banks, there is a group of wild horses. Since this location is approximately three miles offshore from the primary coastline, you must use a boat to approach closely enough for viewing. Additionally, a smaller band of these animals resides within an enclosed 180-acre sanctuary on 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 inspired a film released 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 located farthest south belong to the owners who live in the southern region. Chinconteague Volunteer Fire Company The saltwater cowboys manage the herd’s population by hosting an annual horse auction every last Thursday in July. They drive the ponies from the Virginia part of Assateague across the waterway to Chincoteage This year commemorates the 99th edition of the swim, where the foals are sold at auction.
The horses on the Maryland part of Assateague Island are looked after by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This particular group consists of roughly 150 animals, with approximately 50 kept nearer to the roadside for easier viewing by tourists.
The swimming competition attracts both visitors and residents alike. 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 over the waterway is quite a spectacle. The first horse to touch the shore earns the title of King or Queen Neptune and gets designated for a lottery draw during the festivities.
Proceeds from both the sale and the auction will be used to cover veterinary expenses for the horses and to support the volunteer fire department. Additionally, there's an opportunity to purchase naming rights for ponies that remain part of the herd. At least enough funds will be allocated to sponsor one horse which will then be donated to selected nearby charitable organizations. This event brims with positive spirit, offering assistance and fostering community bonds. The Feather Fund , a nonprofit organization set up to assist worthy children in purchasing their dream horse at auctions.
Related: The Top 20 Most Stunning Locations in Virginia, As Chosen By a Local
South Carolina
The Carolina Marsh Tacky
The Marsh Tacky, South Carolina’s official state Heritage Horse, is a robust and steady-footed breed descending from the horses brought over by 16th-century Spanish explorers. Renowned for their composed nature and agility, these horses were even instrumental during America's triumph in the Revolutionary War. Underneath Brigadier General Francis Marion I rode this steady horse through the swamp to overcome the British forces, which marked a shift in the war efforts.
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 reduced habitat due to developmental activities. Even though the breed was sturdy, their number had diminished to roughly one hundred a few years back before conservation efforts intervened.
Although the horses once roamed freely, Daufuskie Island’s shoreline , guests visiting the island can observe the initiatives to rehabilitate the herd in their natural habitat at the location of the restoration project. Daufuskie Island Marsh Tacky Society .
The first Marsh Tacky born On a distant 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 first among several others born on the island, such as her sibling Mateo, who likewise originated from that period during the storm.
Related: The 8 Most Stunning Locations Along the South Carolina Coast
Read the initial article on Southern Living