Outer Banks Wild Horses - Mare & Two Foals

The size of the herd for the Outer Banks wild horses is regulated by state legislation, and the size has been a hotly discussed topic over the years.  The current legislation places the limit of horses in the herd at 60, but many believe this limit is too low to preserve the horses health and longevity.  

Many horse supporters are celebrating a bill that has been introduced by US Rep Walter Jones.  The legislation, introduced last Wednesday, would require Federal and State government to form a new herd of horses that should not contain less than 100 horses in the Corolla area. 

According the Karen McCalpin, director of the Corolla Wild Horse fund, the herd is too small.  A genetic study that was conducted by Texas A&M University determined that the herd needs more horses to avoid genetic defects and protect the herd’s health and safety in the future.  McCalpin said. “On Ocracoke Island (the herd) is down to less than 20. This (bill) is going to enable us to manage the herd at a genetically healthy number. Without genetic health you don’t have physical health.” 

The bill still has quite a long way to becoming law, but Walter Jones getting his foot in the door with the bill is a big step toward the health and well-being of the wild horse population on the Outer Banks.