Explore the South: 4 Hidden Spots to Witness Wild Horses

If your experience with horses has been limited to those that are domesticated, witnessing an undomesticated one is truly awe-inspiring.

Have you ever witnessed a horse running freely? It’s an uncommon and awe-inspiring scene. Luckily, there are several locations where you can yet experience the sheer splendor of a wild horse—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 they descend from domesticated stock. These equines primarily trace their origins back to animals that either broke loose from Spanish explorers, U.S. Cavalry members, Native Americans, or cattle herders and managed to thrive enough to reproduce in nature. Today, these creatures can be spotted inhabiting vast grasslands, rugged mountain ranges, and coastal areas all over America; however, their population has significantly dwindled compared to historical figures.

Impressive and robust, horses are truly magnificent creatures. Despite the fact that areas where they can run wild and free have become scarce, numerous such locations exist in the Southern regions, offering guests the chance to observe these beasts from afar.

Georgia

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Off the coast of Georgia lies Cumberland Island, which boasts a population of approximately 150 to 200 wild horses. These equines trace their lineage back to various modern breeds such as Tennessee Walkers, American Quarter Horses, Arabians, and Paso Finos. Accessible only by boat, the island remains secluded. Visitors have the option to use the ferry service. From St. Mary’s to admire its natural beauty.

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 care. Groups advocating for animal welfare are striving to secure better support for this wild herd, whose life expectancy is significantly shorter compared to regular horses.

They can be readily spotted along Cumberland's shoreline, feeding on sea oats or scruffy plants amidst the sand dunes across the island’s 18 miles of unspoiled beaches. These horses frequently wander through ancient tabby structures, sometimes accompanied by their foals. Visitors are advised not to approach them closely. Although the horses might seem friendly, they tend to be quite unpredictable and are best observed from a slight distance.

The storied Greyfield Inn It stands as the sole commercial enterprise on the island, managed and possessed by the Carnegie family. Originally constructed in 1900 as an escape, this hotel served as the location where 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 routes beneath a dense cover of towering old trees. The property offers educational programs focused on the local maritime forests and wetlands, alongside meals prepared with fresh produce sourced directly from the hotel’s own garden through its farm-to-table concept. Additionally, you might consider staying at a location close to Amelia Island before embarking on a memorable excursion via boat over to Cumberland Island for what promises to be an incredible day out.

North Carolina

Corolla

The backstory of the feral horses that inhabit 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 position due to ocean currents. Consistent with its title, it has been the site of numerous shipwrecks throughout history spanning hundreds of years. Spanish Mustangs fled from these calamitous journeys and made their way to shore, managing to survive and now roam in groups. You can still spot these Banker Horses in the area today.

People looking to spot the local wild horses have several choices. Renting a jeep for a self-directed exploration into the area is one option. Currituck National Wildlife Refuge or go on an excursion led by 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, guests can choose to contribute to their initiatives and gain knowledge about the Banker horse breed.

The southernmost island of the Outer Banks, Shackleford Banks, hosts a group of wild horses. Located approximately three miles from the primary coastline, you'll need a boat to reach this spot for an up-close view. Additionally, a smaller band resides within a fenced-off 180-acre reserve on Ocracoke Island.

Virginia

Chincoteague and Assateague Wild pony swim

Do you recall the book? Misty of Chinconteague By Marguerite Henry? This tale revolves around a wild mare named Phantom and her foal Misty. It received the Newbery Medal in 1948 and later became a film 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 closest to the south belong to the owners. Chinconteague Volunteer Fire Company Who manages the herd's population by hosting an annual horse sale on the final Thursday in July? The Saltwater Cowboys drive the ponies from the Virginia part of Assateogue across the waterway to Chincoteage This year marks the 99th anniversary of the event where 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 herd consists of approximately 150 horses, with roughly 50 kept near the roadside for easier viewing by tourists.

The swimming competition is a beloved activity for both visitors and residents. A variety of activities take place, such as a procession following the horses' rest period and a festive fair. Witnessing skilled equestrians guide the group across the waterway is quite spectacular. The initial horse to touch the beach earns the title of King or Queen Neptune and gets tagged for drawing at the festivities.

The revenue generated from both the sale and the auction goes toward covering veterinary expenses for the horses and assisting the volunteer firefighters. 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 cover one horse which will then be donated to selected nearby charitable organizations. The event brims with positivity, providing various forms of support. The Feather Fund , a nonprofit organization set up to assist needy children in purchasing their dream horse at auctions.

Related: The Top 20 Most Stunning Locations in Virginia, As Chosen By a Local Resident

South Carolina

The Carolina Marsh Tacky

The Marsh Tacky, South Carolina’s official state Heritage Horse, is known for being robust and having secure footing; this breed traces back to the horses brought over by 16th-century Spanish explorers. Renowned for their composed nature and agility, these horses also contributed significantly during America's triumph in the Revolutionary War, serving valiantly with troops under command. Brigadier General Francis Marion I rode this steadfast horse through the swamp to overcome the British forces, which marked a shift in the course of the war.

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 diminishing habitats due to developmental activities. Even though these animals are sturdy, their numbers 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 aimed at restoring the herd within their natural habitat at the location. Daufuskie Island Marsh Tacky Society .

The first Marsh Tacky born On the isolated island in 2058, Estelita came into the world in 2018 when the horses were kept safely in a new pasture due to Hurricane Matthew. This filly was followed by numerous others born on the island, among them her sibling Mateo, who similarly entered this world because of circumstances surrounding the storm.

Related: The 8 Most Stunning Spots Along the South Carolina coastline

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