Construction Projects Raise Alarm for Outer Banks Wild Horses

Posted on January 29, 2010

Outer Banks Wild Horses

Residents of Corova have historically been resistant to commercial construction on the northern beaches of the Outer Banks. This resistance stems from the desire to keep the area as pristine and natural as possible, but also to protect the wild horses that are a main attraction of the northern OBX beaches.

Shops in Corolla sell t-shirts and other horse related items by the hundreds. Truckloads of visitors have made the trek into the dunes to catch a glimpse of the wild horses.

In fact so many people have shown interest that the county will support a $300,000 project that will make major improvements to Ocean Pearl Road on Corova Beach.

Most of the residents of the area are in favor of the project (it will be funded with county occupancy taxes). However, the fact that the wild horses often wander along the sides of these roads is a concern to some locals.

Another cause for concern is the fact that not far from the beach in Swan Beach, a developer proposes a commercial district of 31.71 acres that would include an inn, shops, restaurants and residential units. Also in the same plans is another small commercial area of 5.86 acres that would include a fishing pier to the ocean and a bait shop.

Original plats done in 1969 set aside these tracts for commercial use. County zoning calls it residential. The commission turned down an application for a similar project on the same tract in November 2008 after residents protested.

Outer Banks Horse to be Named State Horse?

Posted on January 29, 2010

Outer Banks Wild Horses - Mare & Two Foals

A group from Carteret County is joining with Outer Banks horse supporters to have Outer Banks horses named the official state horse.

The group has a goal of getting the bill introduced to the General Assembly this spring for approval will be holding a special event in Currituck County to promote the initiative. If the General Assembly is in agreement on the bill, then North Carolina will be among 10 other states to add the Colonial Spanish Mustang to their state symbol collections.

The bill has received enormous support. Currituck County has received over 1000 letters of support since the campaign began.

Standing before an audience of more than 500 at Shawboro Elementary School on Friday, second-grader Catherine Simila declared why she thinks the Colonial Spanish Mustang should be North Carolina’s state horse. “These horses have survived the most violent weather, sand, heat and even sun,” she said. “Because of their toughness and iron will, there is no other horse to represent our strong state of North Carolina.”

Two “Banker” Ponies Added to Outer Banks Herd

Posted on December 17, 2009

The “Banker” horses at Cape Lookout National Seashore are thriving and the heard is spreading to the Outer Banks.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore recently adopted two Shackleford Banks ponies from the Foundation for Shackleford Horses. Both ponies are fillies and approximately two years old. The fillies are named Sacajawea and Jitterbug and were delivered to Ocracoke Pony Pens on Sunday, December 13.

Maintaining herd size and genetic diversity is crucial for herd survival, and the addition of the two ponies will help reintroduce the genetic strain common to Outer Banks horses. This particular strain of ponies is typically identified by the brown body and white face markings commonly seen in other Outer Banks horses.

New Outer Banks Wild Horse Study

Posted on September 23, 2009

swan-beach-herd-swan-beach1

A study to determine the effects of Corolla’s wild horses on the forests and wetlands of Eastern North Carolina will begin in early 2010. The study will span about two years and will be conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and North Carolina State University.

The researchers will explore the affects of grazing mammals – horses, feral pigs and deer – on the maritime forests, marshland and wet meadows within the study area by monitoring enclosures in which each of the species has been excluded. One fenced area, which has already been developed, excludes all three species.

The current wild horse herd count is around 100, 40 more than the number stated in a 1999 management plan. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, set up 1989 by concerned citizens to heighten awareness of the presence of the wild horses in the area, is growing increasingly concerned about maintaining genetic diversity in the herd. The group unsuccessfully petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service last year to increase the herd size further to at least 120 to boost the gene pool.

Harley Poker Run to Support Outer Banks Wild Horses

Posted on September 16, 2009

3rd Annual Wild and Free Pony Run 2009!

Sunday, September 20th
Poker Run Registration from 9am to 11am

Collectors Pin to first 75 Riders!

Food & Drink, Music
Tons of Door Prizes, Raffles, 50/50, Bike Games
BIG Cookout and Wild Ponies On-Site!

Support the Wild Horses of the Outer Banks and RIDE so they can RUN FREE!

Kitty Hawk Harley-Davidson
Harbinger, NC
252-491-2091

New Ordinances for Outer Banks Wild Horses?

Posted on July 10, 2009

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners weighed their options at their Monday, July 6 meeting to decide if a change to the county ordinance restricting how close individuals may approach the wild horses located on the northern Currituck Outer Banks.

County Attorney, Ike McRee, met recently with Lieutenant Jason Bank of the Currituck Sheriff’s Department and Karen McAlpin of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund to discuss some concerns that people were getting to close to the wild horses to take photos, putting children next to the wild horses and even walking in the middle of a herd.

McRee stated in the memo that as currently drafted, the Code of Ordinances does not prohibit such acts unless the person has lured or in some manner enticed the wild horse to approach them.

McRee continues that the proposed ordinance change will make unlawful any person intentionally coming within 50 feet of a wild horse. Law enforcement, animal control, wild horse sanctuary officers and veterinarians rendering treatment to a wild horse would be exempt from the 50 foot limit.

Outer Banks Students Hope to Help the Wild Horses

Posted on June 19, 2009

Swan Beach Herd - Swan Beach Students in Currituck and Dare counties of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have begun a letter writing campaign aimed at making the OBX wild horses the official state horse for North Carolina.

The wild horses have been on the Outer Banks for hundreds of years; it is believed they arrived with Spanish explorers, but due to increased development and a growing tourism industry, not to mention a lack of protection on a state and local government level, the horses are endangered. The students hope to help the horses survive by drawing increased attention to their plight and generate state-wide support as the official state horse.

A formal event will be held in November to hand all of the letters over to N.C. lawmakers.

History of Outer Banks Wild Horses

Posted on December 4, 2008

Currituck Heritage Park began their annual Winter Education Series in late November. The educational series stretches over four months and kicked off with the “ History of Hooves.”

The inaugural lecture was delivered by the Wild Horse Fund Director, Karen McCalpin, in the Old Corolla Schoolhouse, where the Wild Horse Fund houses its main offices, educational material, and store.

McCalpin described the history of wild horses on the Outer Banks’ northern beaches, stretching back in time for centuries. It is believed that during the 16^th century Spanish explorers brought horses from Europe which eventually led to a surplus of horses on the East Coast in the 17^th century. Unfortunately, those wild horses are becoming scarce today, and the Wild Horse Fund was developed to help protect the horses and champion their causes. The Wild Horse fund views education as one of its main tools towards the protection of the species.

A full description of the event can be found at the Daily Advance.

No Commercial Development in Outer Banks Wild Horse Territory

Posted on December 1, 2008

Currituck County commissioners unanimously voted against a plan for commercial development in Corolla’s northern beaches.

A Norfolk developer applied for an “off road historic village commercial overlay,” which included plans for a 25.77 acres site for the development of a 50 room inn, a convenience store and Currituck county services such as fire departments, a church, a professional center, and apartments.

Residents of Swan Beach (northern most region of OBX beaches) have consistently been resistant to the idea of development, and the population of wild horses that roam free in this area are a prime concern to the locals that oppose the development.

This pristine local is safe for the time being.