After an unusually cold and snowy winter it was the end of February before we finally had some sun. A day trip would be the antidote to my cabin fever and the Outer Banks, being only a 90 minute drive away, would be a perfect destination. I love wildlife experiences and have traveled as far as Alaska and Costa Rica but only recently have I started to find out more about the fauna in my own backyard. With this in mind I went in search of the Outer Bank’s most famous residents, the wild horses. Known as “Banker Ponies”, these small shaggy horses have been a fixture on the islands for nearly 500 years. They’re thought to be descended from Spanish mustangs that survived shipwrecks off the coast of North Carolina known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”. Other theories posit that the horses were survivors of failed English settlements in North Carolina.
Arranged through Kitty Hawk Kites, we were set up to tour with Corolla Outback Adventures. We were met by Jay and Rick, long time residents of the Outer Banks whose enthusiasm for the area was evident.Our ride was a 4×4 with open air seating for 10 in the back allowing for great views during the ride. We headed north on Highway 12 until the pavement ended….but we kept on going. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound,off road beach driving is the only way to access the community of Carova and the Wild Horse Conservation area.
Our first sighting was a lone male amongst the beach homes of Carova. More feral than wild these horses are frequently found in yards and residents are fiercely protective of them. This guy was obviously a frequent visitor as a neighborhood German Shepard bounded towards him and the two began to play. While navigating the sandy lanes that serve as streets we had ample opportunities to stop and observe the beautiful scenery which included the peaceful soundside marshes as well as wide coastal beach. Along the way Rick gave us the history of the area pointing out historic Lifesaving Stations (the precursor to today’s Coast Guard) and historic homes.
We headed inland towards the sound to the area known as the horse pasture, but was currently the horse lake with the recent wet weather. Thankful for the 4×4 as we drove through some fairly high water we made our way to a patch of dry land. We were surrounded by 2 groups of horses getting their fill of fresh water and grass. They paid us no mind as we admired and snapped pictures of them.
On our way back to the beach we encounter one last group of horses but this one had a surprise for us-a baby! This fuzzy little guy was a few weeks old and locals were glad to see he survived the unusually cold temperatures the Outer Banks had this winter.While I enjoyed all my sightings the little guy was definitely the highlight.
The Outer Banks is a great destination for nature lovers and a chance to see the wild horses is not to be missed. What are some of your favorite local wildlife experiences?
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Megan @ Mapping Megan says
Awesome photos! We were in the Outerbanks a few months ago but didn’t have time to do this! Will have to go back – it looks like we missed out!!
Brianna says
Thanks Megan! There is so much to do in the Outer Banks and seeing the horses is a great experience.
Christy@Confessions of a Serial Do- it-Yourselfer says
After seeing your page on FB, I thought I’d come say hi here! I’ve never seen the wild horses, but I would love to! I need to make sure we do that next time we head south. Hope you are well 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks for stopping by Christy! The wild horse tour was a lot of fun, I definitely recommend it!
Melanie says
Great site and simply love your photos! We are looking forward to our OBX vacation and thank you for helping us get excited about our annual family trip to NC!
Brianna says
It’s such a great family destination isn’t it?
Keryn from Walking On Travels says
I can’t believe I’ve never seen the wild horses! I wonder if my in-laws have. They have been going down there (near Hatteras) since my husband was little. Thanks for linking up to #FridayPostcards!
Brianna says
The horses are further north near Corolla, it was a great experience seeing them!
Molly S says
I love seeing horses in the wild – great photos!
Brianna says
It really was a great experience seeing them, especially the fuzzy little foal.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
These horses are beautiful and what a great experience to see them like this. Fantastic photos! We were in the Outer Banks many years ago and I wish I had known about these horses. What a great bonus to see the adorable baby.
Brianna says
On occasion they will wander north to a state park in Virginia Beach. I always love seeing them!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
What an interesting story! I can’t imagine having a wild horse wandering into my yard to play with my dog. I’m glad that the locals like them so much and don’t try to drive them out. They are so pretty. I’d love to visit the Outer Banks some day.
Brianna says
The horses are a part of the local identity, almost as much as the ocean. It’s definitely a unique beach area, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t loved their time there.
HorseWeb says
Wild horses are so funny 🙂 It would be interesting to watch them live. Judging by your amazing post, it’s a great experience!