The Wild Horses of the Outer Banks of North Carolina have seen many changes over the 400 years they have existed. Scientific studies link these horses to Spanish origins and show that they are a breed unto themselves due to their isolation. Some believe the horses were brought to the islands in the early 1500s by Spanish conquistadors. Others believe that they were brought by the English around 1585. But either way they are descended from Spanish mustangs and have lived on the Outer Banks longer than people.
If you do not find a particular decoy or stained glass artwork you would like to have, just complete the "Special Request" form and we will try to obtain it for you. Many of our artists and craftsmen will carve or create by special request. An estimate of the cost and the time required for finishing the item (and a picture, if available) will be e-mailed for you to determine if you wish to purchase. We require one half of the cost of the item when ordered and the balance upon completion before shipping. All of our items carry a money back guarantee if not satisfied.
Due to the growth in population and the increase number of visitors the horses were in danger of becoming extinct. The State of North Carolina recognized the Wild Horses as a significant historical and cultural resource and as such laws have been mandated for their protection. The State has enacted an ordinance that requires people to stay at least 50 feet from the horses in order to protect the horses and people. While most of the time the horses are gentle and appear almost tame, one must remember they are wild horses.
Shackleford Banks is one of the few remaining places for wild herds. The only inhabitants of this island are the wild horses, who are under the protection of the Federal Park System (Cape Lookout National Seashore). The horses are among less than 20 wild herds in the U.S. that are recognized. Federal legislation requires that a herd of at least 100 be maintained on the island.
The weekend of January 8 & 9, 2005 was the last roundup of the horses to check their physical conditions and their number. At that time the herd had 128 horses, 18 of the horses will be moved or placed up for adoption.
Horses that are placed up for adoption must first go to a foster home where they can become acclimated to their new environment away from the herd and the island environment. Once the horse is ready for adoption a stringent adoption process begins, which includes surprise visits to monitor the horses in their new home for the first year.
The wild horse photographs taken by Elizabeth Loftin (visit "Photographs" under this category) were taken of the horses of Shackleford Banks and Carrot Island (these islands are near Cape Lookout Lighthouse).
Further up the Outer Banks, located in Corolla (site of Currituck Lighthouse) there is another herd of the wild horses. These horses encounter greater dangers due to the increase in traffic and the decrease in undeveloped area. These horses do not fall under the Cape Lookout National Seashore. This herd must maintain an average of 60 horses
For more information on the Wild Horses of the Outer Banks, opportunities to adopt a wild horse or information on contributing to protect the horses go to
www.corollawildhorses.com
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https://www.outerbankstreasures.com/categoryNavigationDocument.hg?categoryId=71.
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