To protect, conserve, and responsibly manage the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks, and to promote the continued preservation of this land as a permanent sanctuary for horses designated as the State Horse and defined as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
CWHF Community Cares Partner is how we acknowledge, highlight, and thank local businesses and individuals who embrace the CWHF, our mission and support us diligently. These partnerships are vital to our cause. Together we create shared visions and projects benefiting the horses. We offer goodwill and support to each other while working together to keep our beloved Banker mustangs wild and free. Learn More
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Kara2021-12-06 15:51:182022-05-12 17:53:20Snaffle Bit Waist or Crossbody Purse
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247Vish2021-11-30 13:26:102022-05-09 19:12:59Hand-Thrown Pottery Mug in Blue/Green Glaze
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247Vish2021-11-09 15:36:202022-05-10 18:48:54Official Corolla Wild Horse Fund Mug In White
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Joe2021-08-27 12:25:522022-05-15 13:24:59The Secret of Corolla
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247Vish2021-07-29 15:12:372022-05-10 18:48:24The Official 2022 Corolla Wild Horse Fund Calendar
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Corolla Wild Horse Fund2021-04-26 12:02:262022-05-06 12:23:00Book – Sebi the Colt, A New Life
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Corolla Wild Horse Fund2020-06-25 17:42:522022-05-10 18:47:42Book – Raymond of the Outer BanksThe Secret of Corolla is the story about the Wild Colonial Spanish Horses found on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and how they have made those islands their home.
It’s a story of perseverance. Not just by the horses, but also by the people who call this very special place their home.
Through devastating hurricanes, swarms of biting flies and mosquitos, and the constant pressure from developing the islands into prime beach vacation property, these horses, and the people they share the islands with have found a way to live together in a most uncommon accord. They have created an incredibly remarkable and uniquely wondrous place.
We are very lucky to have been given a wonderful song. Castaño is a song that captures the spirit and the significance of the Corolla wild horses. We feel this song will give hope and continues to help us meet our goals.
The song, video and lyrics are available as a download for $5. Supporters will be given an opportunity to donate more. Your donation will help us continue our crucial work. Thank you for your support!
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Kelly Wilkes2022-03-25 09:37:042022-04-10 09:39:55Hello Charlie!
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Kelly Wilkes2022-03-14 11:19:342022-03-17 11:23:01Brio Update
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Kelly Wilkes2022-03-10 11:01:532022-03-17 11:18:42Brio Removed from the Wild
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Kelly Wilkes2021-11-08 14:34:272022-03-07 10:05:35Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s Herd Manager, Meg Puckett, Honored Along with Others
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Kelly Wilkes2021-09-20 14:22:422022-03-07 10:02:20Our Herd has Increased by One!
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Kelly Wilkes2021-09-13 09:22:172021-09-13 09:24:55Sunset Sounds Concert Event Canceled
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Kelly Wilkes2021-07-23 13:38:212021-07-23 13:44:01Meet Brio, Baby Number Eight
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Kelly Wilkes2021-07-20 14:10:232022-03-05 14:14:12It’s a Boy!
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Kelly Wilkes2021-07-14 13:59:042022-03-05 14:03:02Welcome Beatrice, Seventh Foal of the Season
Our wild horses - all of them - are in crisis. Herds all over the country are struggling with increased interactions from humans that are resulting in deaths and removals from the wild. Please stop feeding wild horses. Please pick up your trash. Please just leave them alone and do the bare minimum to be a responsible human being.
Every week lately we are seeing a new report of a wild horse that’s been fed and died, or had their life in the wild taken from them because of the actions of humans. A Salt River horse died from ingesting plastic this month. An Assateague stallion was removed from the wild after being dangerously habituated by humans. A Shackleford colt was taken by visitors. We’ve had more calls about people feeding apples this spring than ever before.
If you are visiting a wildlife area it is your responsibility to know the rules and follow them. Please just do a little bit of research before your trip so that you can be sure you’re being responsible and keeping yourself and the environment safe. These special wild places aren’t going to exist for our kids and grandkids if we don’t start doing a better job of protecting them.
Our hearts go out to the Onaqui herd. It’s unfortunately a pain and a frustration we are all too familiar with. All we can hope is that these horses haven’t died in vain, and that their tragic stories may prevent future incidents.Do Not Feed the Horses. Do Not Pet the Horses. /DO NOT FEED/ them.
PLEASE SHARE THIS. This image was taken 11 May 2022 in the North Herd area.
We cannot stress them enough. Every time you feed a wild horse, you risk killing them. Horses in other parts of the country have died ingesting foods either given by or left by people.
This week, people attempted to feed and left food on the range for horses. This is never appropriate for any wild animal.
Among the food left were apples, which is the very food which ended in choke and death for @corollawildhorsefundinc wild horse, and another was injured severely enough that he had to be removed from the wild.
More signs are desperately needed on the range, but these take time to get approved and place. In the mean time, we need to be vigilant as a community.
No feeding.
No petting.
Stay back 100 feet (300 ft for new foals)
Keep Onaqui horses alive
Keep Onaqui horses wild
Onaqui Catalogue Foundation Team
No one can convince me that all those wild horse tours are not stressing the horses. Way too many trips a day way too many companies allowed to do them. With the new ruling limiting permits for beach entrance it’s time to aggressively reduce the tours.
Unfortunately the people who do not respect the laws do not read these posts. They don’t think any rules apply to them. So very sad. Punishment is not strong enough when they are caught either. Thank you for all that you do for these beautiful horses
Thank you so much for sharing.
Sadly the society that we are in just don’t care. It’s all about their pleasure, what they want. People just know that they are not punished for the crazy things they do. Best thing for these horses is to be fenced off from people and if people want to pay a rich fee to live with them then so be it. No 4x4s allowed. Charge a high admission to get into these areas. Houses shouldn’t be built in these areas. Save the horses.
Sadly, the people on this site are probably not the ones that are causing all these tragedies. I hope you can get the word out more widely so these beautiful, wild horses can remain. I think the suggestion above about distributing pamphlets in rental packages is a good one. Perhaps visitors don’t realize the harm they are doing by feeding or trying to interact with the herd.
Hoping you have your free educational pamphlets in all rental homes. Gearing them to be understandable by children might help, too.
The problem is that despite all the signs posted and pamphlets distributed to rental homes, no one READS those materials. Or they think they are an exception to the rules; no one will know; there are no real consequences for the violators.
We humans are our own worst nightmare. Sadly some people feel rules don’t apply to them. Our wildlife is suffering world wide. Signs will help, but some people just don’t care.
A Shackleford colt was taken by visitors? Has this ever happened in Corolla? That’s crazy!
What part don't people get? SMDH.😡😡🤬
It really makes me wish we could go back about 30 years to when our banks were a hidden gem and not an overrun tourist destination. Back to when the herds were respected. Thank you for the ever-diligent work y’all do, Corolla Wild Horse Fund!
I do not understand why people are so stupid.
Perhaps a few highly publicized arrests with large fines for endangerment would curb some of human ignorance and stupidity!
In Texas, a coyote attacked a toddler and significantly injured them. So weird/coyotes usually keep their distance and very few attacks have happened. Turns out people in the area had been feeding and interacting with coyotes. It had no fear of humans. Three coyotes were shot and killed. Authorities issued a statement saying basically quit feeding the coyotes 😭
I feel like whatever was left of common sense before the pandemic evaporated completely. Or it's just the ever present and growing entitlement mentality that seems to be getting worse daily.
Soooooo Agree with post about too many wild horse tours - have been coming to Duck for over 30 years and no longer want to go on the off road beach - these horses Need To Be Left Alone or they will be gone - people are willfully ignorant and or arrogant- there are too many people period on that strip and too much building etc
So angry that people ignore the posted signs EVERYWHERE!
We live here in Corolla and have yet to visit the 4x4 beach to visit the horses, only because we previously had a condo in Ocean City, MD and visited Assatueque (sorry, wrong spelling) Island throughout the years. It’s tragic to see bumper to bumper traffic among their wild horses, many of which have been killed. They forage through unattended picnic food and eat whatever is available. I know the rangers make every effort to protect the wild horses, but without responsible adults, I don’t foresee a positive future for their wild horses. We need to PREVENT this from happening HERE.
Thank you so much for sharing this. We appreciate your whole team and community for their vigilance.
I've only seen Corolla & Assateauge horses. The horses on Assateauge walk right up to the vehicles. People feed them all kinds of junk food. The horses in Corolla are much better protected & I feel like most people respect them. Keep up the great work. Anyone in Corolla that is caught feeding them should get a big fine.
If you see it happening, SAY SOMETHING! Immediately. To the person. Help save a wild horse.
It's so frustrating! Humans are the worst. Fine, Charge, Jail. Perhaps stop every visitor coming onto the island and instructing them. Charge them a huge fee to come! Something must be done to protect these beautiful animals.
I am 60 years old and live in Chesapeake. I have been going to OBX for over 50 years with family owning homes there. Known the area before most houses were there especially 4 x 4. Have many pics and experiences with the horses, waking most mornings to them and deer too. It doesn't take much to admire them from where you stand and don't interfere. My favorite memory was lying on the sound side in a secluded spot all alone resting with my eyes shut. Had the feeling I was being watched. Opened my eyes and there was at least 8 horses, including a couple young and a pregnant one standing there with me. I just continued to do my thing and they did theirs. They stayed at least 30 minutes and it was awesome. No pics, just soaked it in all alone. These creatures deserve their space and respect. In return they allow you to get a sneak peak into their lives. These horses feed themselves just fine without us and all interactions do not have to be physical and up close. Humans need to do better. Unfortunately those that don't get it probably never will which will end badly for all. Yet the answer is so simple it's painful, like watching a train wreck about to happen and you can't stop it.
Up the fines for the offenders and add a lot of jail time! Maybe install a few cameras and catch the culprits.
Have the realtors have renters sign waivers. Education is necessary.
You’ve probably seen lots of photos of the angry ocean over the last couple days, but did you know that quite the opposite is happening on the sound side? A northeasterly wind will blow all the water out of the sound, and this storm has been particularly brutal in that regard too.
The sound-to-sea fence that keeps the horses on the 4x4 extends out into the sound, but with the water blown out like this they can easily walk right around it. Our amazing volunteers have been extra busy the past couple mornings getting the escapees back to safety. If you happen to see horses on the paved roads in Corolla, please do not attempt to move them. This is incredibly dangerous for you and the horses, and scattering them makes our volunteers’ jobs even more difficult.
Hopefully the water comes back soon! If you see horses on the paved road, please call 252-232-2216 so that we can get them safely moved back to the refuge.
Photo: Zack Lobisch Art
Cars, folks who try to feed or approach are the real enemy not containment!
I was there many years ago on the beach for a Barbecue (the best I’ve ever had). I heard them and felt them before I saw them and then they ran out onto the beach and it was magical. I had no idea there were wild horses out there. I’m so glad they are protected❤️
So grateful for all those who are helping. I remember coming in the 90s when the horses roamed lose and so many were killed by cars then. I can’t even imagine, with all the traffic today, how bad it would be.
Wow…thank you for protecting them!
That is truly dire. We have seen so many horses killed in the pavement before the fences. Thank you volunteers.
The herd needs a protected state park up there, but meanwhile, your group does an extraordinary job with these beautiful horses.
WOW ‼️. That is low Tide 🌊. Mother nature is so unpredictable and I hope these BEAUTIFUL HORSES will not wander far‼️❤️❤️❤️🐎🐴. Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you to all those who help protect these beauties. Do not mind those who comment otherwise.
So glad there is the foundation and volunteers that work hard to keep these treasures safe. These banker ponies are not funded by any funds other than donations. I am happy to donate every year.
Thank you so much for all of the work that you do to protect these beautiful creatures! Y'all be safe out there in the OBX!!
Beautiful picture thank you for all your hard work to keep the horses safe.
I fell in love with these beautiful creatures after one visit. So much so that I included them into my novel and changed the entire location and setting to accomplish this.
When we first started coming down back in 93’ they were down in Corolla. I actually have a photo of one right in front of the Corolla light village sign. Even then with far less people around it wasn’t uncommon for them to be hit and killed on route 12.
This is an example of an opportunity provided by natural forces that opportunistic horses used for thousands (millions of years) to migrate between bodies of water to seek new sources of food. With their ability to swim they were able to move near and far. No human transport necessary.
Looks like all the water was blown out of Currituck Sound by the strong NE winds experienced over the past several days! The duck blind seen in the far distance would normally be surrounded by water extending from the marsh in the fore ground!
You and your volunteers do a wonderful job keeping them safe. Thank you
Wow , Was there for a week end of March , the wild horses are so beautiful, and hope they are safe. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
I use to think that was so strange ocean was flooding and sound was empty
It's going to be a rough summer, saw in the news that two houses got washed out into the ocean from this storm..can only imagine the debris that's going to wash up on the beach. I hope all the horses & ppl are safe out there this summer
A hugeThanks to everyone that helps to keep these beautiful horses safe. Praying that they don't wonder too far and that they're all found and returned to their own areas safely. 🙏
Would it be better for all horses to be able to run free and wild out on this old west like years and years ago. Of course but they can’t. In fact the hers out there are controlled by Bureau of Land Mgmnt. And guess what the herd gets too big they bring in shooters in helicopters to thin them out. The volunteer groups have been trying to fight that for years. So yes these herds here have pretty much free rein the problem is controlling the people who should have more sense
There's some pretty stupid comments here; clearly uneducated about these horses and the huge history behind them. Thank you for all you do, tirelessly, on a volunteer basis to secure these beauties and the hundreds of years of history associated with them.
We are slowly but surely destroying Mother Earth. I pray the animals outlive us & find peace amongst themselves
I just want to thank everyone that works to keep these beautiful creatures safe❣️ You are all wonderful ❤️
I remember they use to be in Southern Shores very long time ago
If you haven't seen "The Secret of Corolla" yet...what are you waiting for?? This film is generating all kinds of impressive and well-deserved accolades! It tells the story of the Banker horses and the people who have lived with them, loved them, and worked tirelessly to protect them for many generations.
You can purchase the film on DVD and BluRay: www.corollawildhorses.com/shop/the-secret-of-corolla-dvd-and-bluray/ or download it: www.corollawildhorses.com/shop/the-secret-of-corolla/
Watch a sneak peek here: www.thesecretofcorolla.com/sneakpeek
Outer Banks wild horse film wins honors at EQUUS arts fest
www.pilotonline.com
Jerry Thompson wasn’t upset when his documentary film about the Outer Banks wild horses, “The Secret of Corolla,” placed second — it was behind a film by Robert Redford.The trailer alone brought me to tears. I don't know what it is that is so touching about these horses. Maybe it's the perseverance over all these years against numerous challenging obstacles, their sheer beauty, or the beautiful ocean as the backdrop to their survivability. I don't know. All I know is that the past, present, and future of these horses resonates so deeply. I'm off to watch the full version with my grandchildren along with a box of tissue. Thank you for the opportunity to purchase this and for a beautiful reminder of how we're all interconnected and can be brought together through the respect and admiration of the horses and the work you all do on their behalf. ♥️
My apologies for posting this here, but I couldn’t leave a random comment elsewhere. My question is, why doesn’t NC offer a license plate with a horse on it to represent these AWESOME wild horses?!? I’d buy one in a skinny minute! We have license plates representing other wild life and outdoor activities. Why not a wild horse?!? Very few states in our country even have those! I wonder if/how we could make this happen?? Thanks for all you do keeping these horses as safe as you can. I donate to your fund via my Amazon account and hope other folks do that, too! ❤️
Wonderful- it may also help people respect them more too
It was wonderful🐴🐴🐴❤️🐴🐴🐴. I think everyone coming for a first time visit should watch the fantastic film. We did and made the trip ever more special. ❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️🐴❤️
The Christmas present I'll be giving my friends for Christmas 2022 because I love these horses, Meg Puckett, and all the others who work to make sure they are taken care of. ❤
Have a tissue or two on hand when you watch it!! ❤️❤️
Oh how wonderful! I can't wait to watch this film on the magnificent wild horses of Corolla 🤗
So glad you posted this! Done!
Thank you for all the care and love and work you provide for these horses!
Very interesting…… get some kleenex
DeAnna Davis you need to go to Corolla and see the wild horses sometime when in NC 🙂 🙂
Is it available on streaming?
So there is a fence the width of the island separating Corolla from carova?
Awesome.
Shalene Neuberger Niki Moon Carol Tolle Lewin Kristen York
Ann Stuart Kathleen Kelley
Crissie Barnes
Kara DeStephanis
Jimmy Pitts
Laura
Leslie Caryn Maynor
Allison Bennett
Erika Spring
Stacie Harrison Hey Stacie this is mom....check this out thought you might be interested
Lori Chappelle
We are on day 3 of one gnarly nor’easter! 🌀💨🌧 Us humans are exhausted and beyond ready for it to blow on outta here, but the horses don’t really care. Huge thanks to Martha for venturing out at low tide this morning to take a look around! She found Rocky, Betsy, and the rest of their harem and as you can see they are hunkered down in the woods. The beach is a mess - lots of debris everywhere, steep escarpments, many of the ramps have sand blown over them, and the ocean is at the dune line. Not a great week to drive on the 4x4 if you don’t have to!
The horses are way better off this week ! Humans are so much worse than wind 🙂
Stay safe. Lots of homes in Rodanthe are floating out to sea and all the wood and garbage is now in the ocean creating more danger to people and wildlife. Keep your 👀 open. That’s the direction the debris is taking I believe.
Thank you for checking on these beautiful horses 🐎 ❤️ ♥️
I'm so glad the horses know to hunker down & you humans know how to care for them thru most anything. Thankyou for your dedication.
Looking forward to my arrival this Sunday! I have been on the 4x4 when a hurricane skirted the coast and know it can get rough. Thank goodness the horses are so resilient and know when and where to hunker down safely. Hoping for blue skies, sunshine, and safe debris cleanup!
Horses are smarter than tourists
We were headed your way later this week, but have decided to wait until next week. Stay safe everyone! So glad the horses have the innate ability to handle the situation.
Headed that way Saturday. 🤞 Hoping it's much better.
Those horses are smart to find a safe place!
We were there this time last year and , it was a little cool sometimes and we only had 1 day of rain for a while- so blessed it worked out as it was our first time staying in the 4x4 area- LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!
I love how you care for these horses. I’m trying to help the mustangs from the cruel way they rounded up
Glad that they are safe! They are tougher than we are! 💕
We have been to beach many times I am from Iowa and we just had those winds and 1in hail on Mothers Day. Glad horses are ok.
Mother Nature RULES!
Maybe this is Mother Nature’s way to say “ Stay Away “! 😉
The horses are so beautiful. I’m glad they are doing ok
So Thankful they’re safe! ❤️🐴❤️
Thank you for caring and sharing
Animals are so smart when it comes to weather. ❤️🐴
Yes, crazy week to be here. Thanks for all you do for the horses.
Wow… all be safe Two years ago we were there for 2 weeks in May & it rained 11 out of 14.. be careful
Glad they are safe! The winds on the coast are wicked.
Thanks for all your updates, I love our wild horses and miss seeing them😊❤️
I love seeing all the pics of these beautiful animals! I’m just in awe of them & their story!!
Glad they are all staying safe and under cover. Hope you alll are too!
Nor’easter hair, don’t care! 💨 (And some mud just to accessorize.)
…and you are still the handsomest mule on the east coast!
Oh, Raymond!!! You are the most handsome of them all!!! We love and miss you on the beach, but are SO happy you are on the Farm!!!❤
He says, to you its mud, to me it is the best back scratcher I'll feel in a while. (See they will have to brush all this mud off of me which will also remove all the winter fur that's loose and itching to fall off!))😏
Is that my precious Raymond? Your canvas picture is on my wall to remind me of you everyday💖
Cherish the hair. And the mud.
Hairspray not needed on the OBX. Stand on the deck to blow dry! Works great!
I'm missing me some Raymond. I gotta come to the farm soon.
You're a silly, handsome man, Raymond!! Let the wind blow through your gorgeous locks!! 😂
Oh Raymond! You are looking very handsome with your hair styled.
So adorable!❤️
I just found a picture of him today one of the last ones I took on beach
I love you Raymond!💖
So adorable!❤️
You know he worked very hard to get that mud just exactly right👌
Such a handsome mule!!
Put him on the cover of a romance novel ❤️
It's the very handsome tousled look! 💖
Just handsome...be still my heart
Love that face!!
Still beautiful!
Me too Raymond!!
Raymond is just too cute!!!
Oh Raymond! Love the hair 😊🥰
Too cute
Love love love Raymond! 💕
Well, while we’re at it…meet Cádiz! This colt was born the last week of March so he is not brand new but his parents kept him in the marsh for the first few weeks of his life. The deer flies drove them out onto the beach today! Cádiz’s family includes mom Ruby, dad Flint, and brother Sebastian.
So Beautiful….tourists please keep them safe!
Cadiz is a beautiful city in southern Spain. Spectacular sidewalks!
So breathtaking! These horses are treasures ❤️
I pray they are left alone to grow . So beautiful
That is an awesome Spanish sounding name. I’ve always loved how Corolla wild horse fund has named horses Spanish names. I adopted one of the mares years ago. Her name was Corizon.
Beautiful colors in his family . Especially Ruby. Wow!
Quite a handsome young colt.
Welcome to the beautiful world of the banker ponies Cadiz! May you have a long and free life with your family on the wonderful beaches. I hope to see you soon. Run wild you precious little colt.
Yayyyy! How many does this make for the year so far, 5?? 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Beautiful I love seeing these free horses.
Ruby Jeep and Sebastian Toris. Mom Ruby and brother Sebastian. ❤️
His marking looks like the tree of life
Just beautiful. So wonderful to see free / wild horses.
What happened to the little colt that went to live on the farm after getting sick and weak?
Going back to see the horses soon It's so beautiful there
So adorable live seeing these updates & pics of new babies..I'm always checking, starting in March, to see the when the new ones are born..also all the other updates too 😀
Cadiz, welcome! May you be safe, loved and most of all....untouched by meddling, selfish humans!
Welcome to the world Cadiz- travel safely!
Ruby's dapples are gorgeous!
Perfect name for this beautiful colt!! 🐴❤
Gorgeous. Sad we missed him today.
Yay ill show samara
Hope gets to meet Cyclone.
Beautiful. Looks like the best time for a visit maybe early May?????
Peace and all good CWHF
Our newest foal has made her first public appearance! She was born on Tuesday, and her name is Cricket. This brings the 2022 count to six so far, with five surviving.
(We are still waiting for one more test result from Charlie’s necropsy and then we will hopefully have some answers to share.)
Please remember to give the horses plenty of space! Crowding new mothers can cause stress that may lead to all sorts of complications, including abandoning foals. They need time to bond, rest, recover, and grow. Please stay 50ft (or more!) away at all times.
I just printed out all the materials from your community tool kit and will laminate them and post them in my home. Already have your magnets on my refrigerators. Will add a herd watcher sign in my yard as well. TY!
How wonderful! Praying that the remaining five continue to thrive and run wild and free!❤️
I may have missed it, but I don’t recall any updates on Gus becoming the sire to any foals yet. Are there any critical signs of inbreeding yet among the herd? Are there any immediate plans to bring in another new stallion or mare from a different line? I had such high hopes for Gus!
She is beautiful!! We were there this past weekend and got to see one of the new babies on the beach. Has been a lifelong dream to see them
Ohmygosh, this is just what I needed tonight!! How precious - what a cutie patootie little beauty!!!!!!
So cute. And, people, for the horses health and safety, stay AT LEAST 50’ from them…..and DO NoT FEED them!!!!
She will be a beauty like her mother.
She is precious and so stinkin cute! I wonder if she’ll stay dark like mom…
That’s great I really like the name 👍👍
She's so pretty love the little white socks on her hind legs..that makes what 2 fillies??..
Cricket is absolutely adorable, what a beauty! Kicking those little feet high...run wild and free little girl!
Love this! I pray people stay away and let this important young fully thrive!
Love seeing the new babies!!
So adorable!❤️ Live long and free little bit.
Beautiful. Thanks for the update. Also update on necropsy.
Precious 💕Thankyou to share love watching those horse and baby
Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉 Please keep us updated on the outcome of the other foal..
So thus far , we have Cedar , Cricket , Cyclone , and Charlie ( who tragically passed ) .. are the other two yet named ?
I may have missed this info previously, but is there a yearly limit on foals - as in use of birth control - or is the herd management area able to support this many foals + per year with no issues? Genuinely curious since other herds I follow use managements such as PZP. Love all the info you give and love seeing photos of all the horses. Thanks for all you do!!
Oh she’s such a cutie! I gotta plan a new birthday trip out there!
She is absolutely precious and I love her name!!!
Are your wild horses SAFE! Dare I say it... It doesn't sound as if they are going to swoop down in a metal monster (helicopter) as you guys are so involved with the new foal numbers.. etc. I am hoping your horses can expect to live out their lives, wild and free!
Connie Lynn, Carol Leser, She'll be less than 2 weeks old when we get there. Hopefully they will make an appearance ❤
She’s beautiful! Her coat looks like velvet
Beautiful babies! Can’t wait to maybe get a glimpse of them on our summer visit!
Over the last couple days we have gotten several calls about people feeding horses apples. Yes, law enforcement has been involved. But a citation written after the fact isn't going to help the horse after it's already been fed. We shouldn't be getting these calls in the first place - please do not be selfish and short-sighted. Your actions have long-lasting consequences that our organization, our community, and the herd have to deal with after you go home. Losing one horse out of a population of only 100 is a devastating blow, the effects of which last for generations.
We are not asking you to sacrifice anything - just leave the horses alone! Watch them from a distance and do not get close or interact with them. There are signs everywhere. It is very, very hard to believe that anyone who spends any time on the 4x4 doesn't know by now that feeding the horses is illegal and dangerous. If you want these horses to be here next year when you vacation, and in five years, a decade from now...it is up to you to follow the rules and help keep them safe. The horses face so many challenges to their survival that we can't control. Everyone who visits needs to start doing a better job of not putting them into unnecessarily dangerous situations.
We realize that we are largely preaching to the choir by posting here, but maybe if the message is shared widely enough it will hit the people who really need to see it. It's not even Memorial Day yet, and we are already extremely concerned for the rest of the summer. If you are on the 4x4 and you witness someone feeding, petting, or putting themselves or the horses in danger, please call 252-232-2216 so that a deputy can be dispatched to the location. They will also let us know so that we can keep an eye on any horses that may have been fed.
There are lots of resources available in our Community Toolkit: www.corollawildhorses.com/community-wild-horse-toolkit/ Homeowners, please consider placing information in your houses so that your renters know the rules and why they are important.
Hopefully 2022 is the first year in a few that we do not have to remove or euthanize a choking horse, but based on the behavior we've seen so far this spring, it's not looking promising. Please don't be the reason a horse dies or has to be taken out of the wild. Just follow the rules, watch the horses in their natural environment without interfering with them, and treat this place the same way you would treat your own home. It's not asking a lot of you, but it means a LOT to the horses.
(Pictured is Danny, who was fed an apple and subsequently choked and died in 2020. He was only a year old.)
Can the Corolla Wild Horse Fund work with the local government and property management companies to include acknowledgment of the wild horse rules in the rental contracts, to include what the penalties and fines are? It seems like this information needs to be pushed harder.
The penalties need to be more severe. Either monetarily or with mandatory jail time.
If the last 2 years have proven anything at all about modern American society, it’s that people just don’t want to follow rules that they personally ‘disagree’ with. 🙄🤦♀️🙄🤦♀️🙄
They’ll care when they’re responsible for the vet bills if one of these horses gets sick! I don’t understand how it is so hard to just admire them from afar and respect the area they’re in. It’s heartbreaking to see these posts year after year. Thank you for all that you do 💙
So frustrating. Thank you for continuing to raise awareness and involving law enforcement.
Might be helpful if the warning sign about feeding the horses that is on 158 in Currituck could be facing the other way. People see it as they travel away which seems too late. Might be helpful if it could be viewed on the way to the beach instead.
Maybe when renting a house or a condo, have them sign a form explaining the policy of the things you can and can't do in regards to the horses and other wildlife. This way there's no doubt that they know! Get with law enforcement and even put the amount of the fine and up to jail time. Some people don't have common sense and you've got to lay it out for them! I think this 1 piece of paper can save a few 😪
I'm sorry but if I see someone feeding these horse I will not wait for authorities to show up. I will call and in the meantime while waiting for them I am going to approach and say something to the individuals myself. I am from a horse loving family that has had horses as long as I can remember and if I can save even one horse it will be worth it to me.
They should make it an animal cruelty charge. I don’t know about North Carolina but in Virginia animal cruelty is a felony. Maybe if the punishment were harsher people would stop doing. Maybe meet with your state representatives.
honestly some visitors are so dense you'd have to stand at the entrance and hit them with a stick and they would STILL say "oh I didn't know" or "it's just one bite, how much could it hurt??" amazing that people who apparently functionally illiterate and in a coma manage to find their way to the beach 😬
Law should be, if are at fault of a horse getting choked, sick, or passes. Then that person needs to pay all vet bills and then have to pay yearly to the Wild horse funds for ten years..... At the very least!!!!!
Everyone thinks they know better. They think the signs are for the "other guy."
Omg how much more info do people need to understand to let them be...grrr.
Unfortunately the only real way to end the interaction between the horses and vacationers is to close the beach in 4x4 to vacationers and day trippers. I know there are year round residents there but they know better. Sorry non resident home owners.
People who are seen disobeying the rules regarding the horses need to be put on a list and not allowed to be on the 4x4 for any reason. Abuse it, lose it.
I think maybe you should start this post with the heartbreaking info about Danny, for the ones who won't read this whole post. Thank you for your tireless advocacy and care for these beautiful horses.
People just think they can feed horses! Happens with privately owned horses! Has happened with mine ! They just do It ! I confronted people a few times . They actually walked down a private drive with carrots and apples in hand !! Explained why they should not do it ! And asked why they think they can ! Well they are so pretty !! Not a good answer! So sad , and frustrating. Thankfully it does not happen at the farm he is at now. Hopefully people will get the message !!!
Seems maybe the only way to protect these precious animals is to make the 4x4 off limits to anyone other than those who reside there.
 can rental agencies put it in the contracts that people understand no feeding of the wild horses or interacting with the wild horses and also all rental homes have it posted for the renters to see? It’s becoming a regular occurrence that vacationers are feeding and interacting with the horses it’s not right
We have always shared this information with our renters, in fact we have a whole section on the horses and we will continue to do so.
There are signs even on the drive towards outer banks that clearly say to not feed the horses 🙄 and up and down the 4x4 everywhere!
Sounds like their needs to be stricter consequences! We need to do better for the horses! People aren’t understanding
Like many others on this site, I’ve had it and I’m going to rant. Report those who disobey the rules. Fine them heavily AND let them spend a couple of days in jail. Work with hotels/motels/rentals to include a caveat in lease agreements that any visitor reported for abusing laws in place to protect the horses will immediately be evicted with NO REFUND OR ABATEMENT and banned from booking future vacations in that establishment. Further, names/dates/violation details will be attached to that person’s future bookings. I understand that this is harsh but people who can afford to rent in that area can most likely pay a fine with no problem. To CWHF, I know that you folks do everything you can to protect the herd. My rant is not in any way aimed toward you. Maybe it's time for the general public to step up and try to work with management companies, etc. to help prevent this $%#@ (sorry for the word that I'm thinking). Sometimes I think we need to go back to colonial tactics and put people in public stocks (half kidding on this). Sometimes public humiliation does a lot. I'm getting off my soapbox now.
Higher penalties!!!! Removal from rental home if caught. Higher fines. Community service . Humans are the dumbest animals on the planet. They only learn if punished severely enough.
How about making that area for locals only. Obviously people are too ignorant to understand what they are doing to these horses. I’m sure they know the rules.
Yes that was a “new” foal that everyone saw on the beach yesterday! Though not that new - she was born about a month ago but her mother has been keeping her safely out of view back on the reserve. The flies drove them out onto the beach yesterday. Her name is Cedar, after the trees she was born under, and she is the first and so far the only filly born this year.
(Photo by BethSeaCatchers/SeaCatchers Photography.)
ETA to answer repeat questions:
1. Mom’s name is Orlanda
2. No there isn’t another foal in there, she is not still pregnant. She’s just shaped like that. Mares only have one foal at a time, 11 months apart. ETA again: yes we know mares can have twins. It rarely goes well. A wild mare would probably not survive that and neither would both foals. This explanation is in response to comments that implied people thought perhaps she was going to give birth again soon. She is not. Large belly =/= pregnant.
3. We have not gotten the results of Charlie’s necropsy yet. These things take time. As soon as we know something, we will post.
Y’all be pregnant for 11 months & give birth to a ~150lb baby & get back to your pre-baby body in a month & then get back to us…. 🙄 🐎
“She’s just shaped that way”….. story of my life. Beautiful mama ! Can’t wait to see this baby grow ! ❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful scene
"Shes just shaped that way" .... and with those words I met my spirit animal!! 🤣
“She’s just shaped like that.” 🙋🏼♀️ Same girl. Same.
Don’t ask a woman if she is pregnant!
We saw a baby on the beach when we arrived 4/16. Never saw them again the entire week. ❤️
I believe this was her yesterday walking that I caught a video of!!
They are beautiful. May they live long and healthy lives.
And I bet all y'all saying she still looks pregnant got back to your pre baby body in 1 month 😏😂
Orlanda, I am also just shaped that way. 🙌🏻😂💜 You are gorgeous, mama. Good job bringing that beautiful baby into this world.
We have an Irish Setter that lays in our cedar trees and we sometimes call her “Cedar Chip”!
Sooooooooo beautiful......I just pray that people stay away from them and not try to feed them stuff 🙏🏻🐎⛱
"She’s just shaped like that" lol. I understand this all too well... :D
The wild horses are such good mamas! Congrats and I hope we get to see her continue to grow! ❤️
So that’s Charlie (RIP), Cyclone and Cedar so far. I love this time of year when the babies start being born! They are so sweet and precious! 🐴❤️
He is perfect! Orlando you did an awesome job! Hid speed to you and your boy❤️🐴
Only thing I can say on your whole question thing is that mares can (and do) have twins but they don't hold another twin in there for a month. Now as far as wild mares go it is extremely rare, rarer than a domestic horse, for them to have twins.
Finally making her debut. Beautiful!
Mom looks like she’s treats to have another!
She sure looks swollen, hope she’s fine! Precious foal!💕
She’s not pregnant, she’s just fluffy. Orlanda, you are my spirit animal.
Beautiful photo! Pray they stay healthy & safe! ❤️🙏🏼
Awe welcome Cedar . Momma keep her safe
They are both gorgeous!!! Such a beautiful photo!
We’d like to thank everyone who came to see us today for the spring open house! What a wonderful day. 🥰 And congrats to Melody for winning the Brio pot! If you’re not faMichaelmiddletonceramicsetonceramics, he makes pottery using native Currituck clay infused with hair from the horses on our rescue farm. Today we raffled off the very first Brio pot! There will of course be more to come, but this one was very special. Be sure to give Mike a follow - there are more pots for sale on his website and we have them in our shop in Corolla too.
michaelmiddletonceramics.com
Baby Brio is so sweet. I think this shows off his sweetness. Thanks again for allowing us to get a glimpse of the farm.
I had a wonderful time. So good to see all the horses in your care. My favorite pic of the day. Well one of my favorites.
I had a wonderful time visiting with the horses today Brio is so beautiful You all do amazing work
Thank all of you for all you do at the farm. We had a great time and were happy to see the horses are so well taken care of.
Oh my goodness! Look how healthy and happy Baby Brio is looking! This makes my heart so happy❤️
My friends and I had a great time yesterday! Enjoyed meeting Mike Middleton and talking his ear off! I am head over heels in love with little Brio! The staff is so informative and friendly. Also enjoyed the rooster on a leash!!!
A beautiful day! So happy I got to attend and meet Junior! Many thanks to both Meg and Lyn for their wealth of knowledge and friendliness !❤️
So great to finally meet Raymond and crew on such a beautiful day! You all are so loved and appreciated… without you there would be no bankers…Thank you. Meagan … your simply the best!!!
These horses are beautiful but was this one wild at one time or it’s your own that you have had he’s cute as can be though but was just wondering cause he has a halter and lead rope on him and on a farm with fence and all
so enjoyed the Open house and getting to meet Cheeky Raymond and Master Brio❤️my first cup of joe in my new Wild Horse cup.. !😆
Thanks so very much for the quality care all of you give to the beautiful horses and adorable mule. I sincerely hope that visitors will heed the rules about the horses on the beach so that they can stay healthy and stay in their natural habitat. Thanks again. 🐴🐎
Really enjoyed our visit! When can we visit the horses? Wednesday’s?
We had a great time!! Thank you!!
We really enjoyed our visit yesterday!
You are open?? That’s exciting! I thought we would miss you in mid May!!?!
Sure wish I lived closer!
Brio is looking great!
Thanks for allowing us to tour!
We are wondering how Amelia is doing....
Fantastic!
He looks amazing.
Where is your shop in Corolla? Near museum?
As we head into a weekend that’s shaping up to be beautiful and busy, please remember to give the horses plenty of space. Over the last couple weeks we have really seen an increase in dangerous behavior from visitors to the 4x4. The rules are in place to keep you and the horses safe. The law states that you must stay 50ft away at all times, and if one of our staff tells you that you should move it’s because we are trying to keep you out of harms way. Stallions are fighting and unpredictable; if you are in their path you could get hurt and we are trying to prevent that from happening. Our staff knows the herd dynamics and can interpret behavior, and may see things that you do not. Please trust that we are not trying to ruin your moment or your photograph - quite the opposite! We want you to have a wonderful visit and see the horses safely in their natural habitat.
Everyone needs to heed the warnings or someday we won’t be able to see these beautiful wild animals in a natural setting. 50 feet is not to much to ask for the privilege of having this unique experience.
Some people have never been accidentally stepped on by a domestic horse and it shows. I can’t even imagine getting near fighting stallions.
Why, why, why do people ignore the rules...there's no excuse for not being aware of them...with posted signs, some just choose to ignore...maybe the fines need to be raised & steep enough to cause a real dent in their wallets...on this Earth Day and everyday, enjoy, but be kind to our planet & its awesome gifts...
I wish you all did not have to work so hard to keep these horses safe from people, but I'm glad you do. ❤
Im so grateful for all you do to keep them and visitors safe. Our sunset tour to see horses was amazing, bucket list for sure, thanks to you all.
I remember one Spring a few years ago, we rented a house in the 4x4 area. The Stallions were fighting every day over a band of mares. Even on our last morning when we had packed up the truck and were pulling out, two started fighting in the driveway. We sat in the truck for quite awhile because the fighting had the driveway blocked. Several times we thought they were going to fall onto the truck or kick in windows by accident. Beautiful, but a brutal fight. So glad that we were already safely inside our vehicles.
This is really getting ridiculous. Signs posted, fines, special permits, etc what more is there to do. Have no more rental property in 4x4, I'm sure the owners would freak but maybe a moratorium on visitors temporarily. I wish I had a solution to keep these majestic animals safe and free.
I'd say if they're unintelligent enough to get near two WILD stallions fighting, then getting hurt is on them.
What is wrong with people????? I'm reading this in Raleigh and get very aggravated - cannot imagine being in your shoes. But the majority of us and the horses appreciate all you do to keep them safe.
And so it begins…how tragic that visitors to the OBX have to be reminded to stay away from the wild horses to keep all safe and the Horses living wild and free!
I am always concerned about the beautiful horses. Especially every time I'm there and I see how stupid people act. Thank you , Corolla Wild Horse Fund for looking out for them!💕💕
We love seeing the Corolla horses! Amazing part of being part of that carolina area. We have since moved to nevada part time where we again have wild ponies that live right here in our neighborhood, on our paved strets with traffic. I am so concered about their safety! They have lights and signs everywhere warning the horses are here and the same rules apply like Corolla. Each time they wander past my front door i wish they had a better environment like corolla!
I can't comment on the post about reports of people feeding illegally already this season with Danny's (💔) photo....but I'd contribute to a fund to have signs made and put up that say what you all said in the post about the horses lost and that if people and families want to continue to see wild horses here, they need to obey the rules. Tell Danny's story briefly and show his picture..."this baby is Danny. Danny suffered greatly and then died from choking after people illegally fed him." And the rest of the outlines of the rules and laws. Shock factor ...these are the consequences the horses suffer if you break the law.
They are beautiful to see but please listen to what they say ..If the stallions are fighting they won't care if you get in the way . Give them space
people have no idea how fast they can move, it is like getting hit by a car. I worked with horses for 40 years. Some people I have known have been killed. You are not faster than they are.
The aftermath of being kicked by one of the carriage horses. I’m really lucky she didn’t break my leg!
This pic reminds me of the black stallion books, even he was fighting the red stallion. I have no understanding of people not respecting wild animals space.
I so pray these beautiful horses can have a peaceful, carefree summer without intervention from humans 😵 (Except you guys❤️)
Hoping to visit on my return trip to Florida in May!!! I wouldn't even venture near these these beautiful stallions!!! Hopefully I'll be able to Photograph them from a great distance!!
I wish I could watch them within the rules. They are beautiful and thank you for looking out for these majestic horses.
Really time to start prosecuting this people with steep fines and jail time
Thank you for everything you do to keep Carova’s most special creatures safe. 💕
Please respect these magnificent creatures and they'll survive for centuries longer.
Wish the beautiful stallions the safest summer. They are magnificent 🐎 ❤️
What will it take for people to listen?!?!?! How many signs need to be put up?? Maybe if tourists weren’t allowed up there anymore, it may stop!!!!
It's National Volunteer Week, and we would like to give a HUGE shout out to all of the wonderful people who freely and enthusiastically dedicate their time, talent, and energy to CWHF. We are so grateful for their support and friendship, their dedication to our mission, and for their love and advocacy of the horses. They answer the call early in the morning and late at night, during the dreariest days of winter and the hottest days of summer. It's not always glamorous and very rarely easy, but we know we can count on them to be there for the horses (and us!) whenever we need them. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! We couldn't do any of this without you. 🐴💜
Thank you for your hard work and dedication in keeping the horses safe and well.
For all the volunteers for all you do....THANK YOU for your dedication.
Thank you for your thankless service 👏
Thank you all for your time and commitment! ❤️
Thank you for all you do!!! You guys are heroes 🐴
There’s a special place in Heaven for all of you! Your efforts are gratefully appreciated!!
Thank u for taken care of these horses...Heros in my book...
We loved our tour guide we went April 14 th@ 11:30 am
What a wonderful group of people. Thanks for all you do!
God Bless and thank you !
Heartfelt thanks to you all!❤️
Thank you to all who help!!
So many thanks goes out to all of you, and I'm sure more , for your selfless, tireless service and love for the beautiful horses , colts and administrators of the Corolla Wild Horses. 😌❤🐎
Thank you!!! Raymond!!!💖
Thank you so much for all that you do! ❤️😊
Thank ypu so much for all you do! We are moving down in the fall and I plan to be a volunteer if needed!!
Thank each and every one of you!
Thank you for all you do!
Thank you for all you do!
Beautiful souls! Thank you!!
Wish I still lived in New Bern so I could volunteer. Thanks to all that do.
Bless all of you!
Thank you al for taking care of the great Spanish Mustang Ponies of the Carola! They could have been gone if not for everyone who gives their time to help their survival. ❤ Many thanks!
Thank you for all of your hard work! 💖
Thank you all! ❤️
Don't forget, this Saturday is our spring open house at the farm in Grandy. The weather is looking beautiful and we've been busy all week getting the farm and the horses ready to see you! Come meet all of the rescued Banker horses (and mule) and talk with the staff and volunteers who take care of them. The gift shop is stocked, and we will also have some great vendors on site too - SeaCatchers photography, author Bonita Bertovich, and Michaelmiddletonceramics. We are very excited to announce that we will be doing a raffle fundraiser, and the winner will get to take home the very first Brio pot made by Mike Middleton! It's going to be a great day - hope to see you there!
More info 👇
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.I'll be there and can't wait to meet you all and the beautiful rescues. And our sweet Raymond!
I'll be here in Maryland, sending y'all my best! Please tell Raymond I will see him soon!!!!!🐎❤
Wonderful place. Thank you for all you do! Hi to Raymond.
Sorry I won't be in town--but re-upping my membership. Hope you get lovely weather.
We could stop here Saturday on the way down. Anna Vanlandingham
Wish I could make it. Need to go-to website and see when you're open. I'd love to bring my fiancee to meet them.
Rachael Anne and Jennifer Ausley…. 🤗
traffic is terrible😢
Paula Zeltner Meola
can't wait until Sat.
We are devastated to post tonight that Charlie, born March 25, died very suddenly late this afternoon. He showed no sign of illness, struggle, or distress.
He was with his parents by the fire station in Carova around 4pm. Security camera footage showed that he seemed completely fine, walking right next to his mom at 4:13. At 4:19 he laid down, and by 4:30 he had passed away. His parents and brother are fine and behaving normally, though of course were very distressed by his sudden loss.
We will be taking Charlie’s body to the state lab in Raleigh tomorrow morning so that a necropsy can be performed. We will post another update when we have some answers, but wanted to do this initial post tonight since the situation was witnessed by a lot of people and we don’t want rumors or misinformation to spread. Everything we know at this point is stated in this post.
We are so deeply grateful to everyone who helped us this afternoon. Thank you for being there for us, and for Charlie.
Kind of a late post today, but we just couldn't wait to share these photos - we have another foal! This colt is actually the fourth foal born in 2022 so far. The two we haven't announced have not yet made their public appearance so we've been respecting their privacy. 😉
This little guy's mom brought him out for the world to see today, and we were able to get some great photos. He was born yesterday. His father was Hurricane, who we very tragically lost last summer after he got tangled in some wire and suffered heat stroke. It was such a devastating loss, but this colt reminds us that life truly does go on. We've chosen the name Cyclone for him, in honor and in memory of his sire.
Please remember you must stay at least 50ft away from the horses at all times. However, we highly encourage everyone to give them even more space, especially this time of year. Stay in your vehicles and stay safe - mares are in season, herd dynamics are unstable, and stallions are only thinking of one thing. These horses are wild and unpredictable and can be very dangerous. It's also critically important that mares and foals have space and peace to bond and grow. We implore everyone who visits the 4x4 to follow the rules - for your safety, and for the horses' safety.
I believe this little guy is the one we observed yesterday from our deck. So much energy. We loved watching him
So beautiful. Thank you for watching over these amazing animals.
Precious! Mom & her baby are beautiful. Hurricane would be proud. Praying they stay healthy & safe! ❤️🙏🏼
Beautiful! And fantastic tribute to his daddy.♥️🙏
What beautiful news!! Very nice pictures of them. Love them all. May God bless them with a very full life. ❤ we are so fortunate hes has put you where you are to keep a watchful eye. Thank you🐎❤
Cyclone is so handsome! I love the star on his forehead! What’s his Mom’s name?
They were in my yard or on my lot/s most of the day through sundown. So special. I have great video if Cyclone running/playing several times.
Beautiful! I hope I get to see him in person soon! ❤️
Mom and her Colt are just beautiful!!!
Hello Hurricane's legacy! What a beautiful foal. I love his name. To who the person behind the camera is....Fabulous photos!!
I so LOVED seeing these beautiful horses for the first time. I felt very blessed to see 12 of them. Thank you so much to everyone who helps to take care of these beautiful horses, and works hard to make sure they remain wild and free, but most of all.....FREE !!!💕
Wonderful! So beautiful! Thank you for continuing to care for and protect these remarkable horses! 🙏💗
Omg. I’m in love with this little guy! Mama looks so proud of him. Sad he will never know is beautiful Dad. May Cyclone have a very long and happy life! 💜
Wow! What a beautiful sight! I've always thought it was strange and wonderful how these horses thrive in such an environment. Yes, you'd be a great turtle tender!
Cyclone is a beautiful foal who appears to be very healthy and alert.I love all of your posts and pictures of all the horses and I wish that more people would respect their environment and allow them their continued freedom.
Welcome little one. You live in an amazing environment. Enjoy your freedom.
Oh, he's just gorgeous. I always visit when I am on the Banks. I love watching the horses. Thank you all for taking care of these beautiful beings. Save a beach ride for me, those are on my to-do-when-at-the-beach list too.
My son was lucky enough to see the wild horses last summer when he and some friends were there for vacation. They stayed in their vehicle, but got some amazing pictures. Once in a lifetime experience. 🐴
He's a leggy little love, isn't he. Welcome, Cyclone!
How wonderful, he is just gorgeous!! It is truly wonderful that Hurricane’s legacy will live on in Cyclone. I have been to Corolla many times now, and am always thrilled if I have the great luck to see some of them. I always keep my distance, they will not continue to be wild horses if people keep getting close. Stay back and just appreciate them in the wild, the way they are meant to be.
Welcome Cyclone!!! He's so adorable. This warms my heart that Hurricane's legacy will continue ❤🐴
This is such wonderful news! I love his name and that this beautiful colt is representing his sire on the beach! Are Cyclone and his mom part of another harem?
So beautiful. Lived in OC, MD a year and went to see the wild horses at least once a week. Stay away from them and give them their space. Always visit when I am down there. Your horses are beautiful. The little one is beautiful. One day old. Hard to believe.
Thank you for everything you do to protect this special gift we have in NC.
Beautiful you guys do such great work with the horses
Today kicks off National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and we would like to say a very, very big thank you to everyone at Currituck County Communications Center for all that you do to help us take care of the wild horses.
Just about every call we get about the horses comes through this office, and the dispatchers there are a huge part of our team. Not only do they make sure we have the help we need when it comes to emergency management, they are a calm, caring voice on the other end of the phone when we are in the middle of dealing with the hardest parts of our job.
We appreciate you so much, and thank you for the support and kindness you show us and the horses every day of the year! 💛🖤💛🖤
We love our horses❤️, thank you. We remember when they used to ramble through our yard long ago!
Well said.
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This photo: Priceless. These horses are so special. Thanks to all who care.
Rodney Sanders
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Thank you!!
Thank you
Thank you!
Love these mugs! 🤩 Mike will be at the open house on April 23 selling them, along with more pottery!
Come see us - fb.me/e/4OQwJQPgw
Is this a drive thru or get out the car and walk around plus will there be any hands on like petting animals or activities for kids?
Same person that did the “Raymond Collection”?
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Will they be sold online!
Yesterday's post about Bee, and the questions about whether or not we've found Brio's mom made us realize that many people don't realize how vast the horses' habitat is. What you see in most pictures is just a very, very small part of the primary habitat, and only the places people have access to. There are about 7600 acres of land available to the horses (that's 75 acres per horse!), and the topography ranges from sand dunes to maritime forests, tidal flats, shrub thickets, brackish and freshwater marsh and estuaries, and the grassy yards of the more developed areas.
Horses are seasonal grazers; they go where the food is, and that changes based on the seasons. In the spring the horses stay tucked back in the marsh because that's where the grass gets green first. Right now they are eating the tender cattail and marsh grass shoots. In a month or so, they will begin to migrate east towards the dunes, where by June the grass will be green and the sea oats blooming. Biting flies will drive them out of the marshes with the west winds in the summer, and cold northeasterly winds drive them west into the forests in the winter. In the summer, the grass in the marsh grows taller than a person and the horses disappear into it, submerging their heads into the water to graze. Terrain that seems easy to traverse upon first glance becomes nearly unnavigable once you really get going - sand, mud, snakes, reedgrass solid as a wall, and thorny vines do not make for easy hiking!
The horses are never lost - they just go to places that we, as humans, can't easily get to. Several times a year we do a helicopter survey of the area, but this doesn't serve as the only herd count of the year. It's impossible to see all of the horses during these flights because the tree cover is so thick, even in the winter. We often get asked about using drones, and while this is helpful if there is a very specific area we need to check out, they really aren't that useful when you don't know exactly where you're looking, or for any kind of broad overview. Horses travel miles every day, and while we do know the general parameters of each horse's territory, they can move great distances in a short amount of time. For example, last week new foal Charlie's parents moved him nearly two miles in less than an hour, to an area they don't normally frequent. The minute you think you know everything about the horses, and can predict their movement and behavior, they do something to humble you and make you remember that nope - they do what they want and will always keep you on your toes!
Last year we got word of a deceased horse "somewhere on the refuge." We hiked around as much as we could, but the area where the remains were allegedly spotted (from the air) is dense and vast. There are no roads and trails can be hit or miss. We looked from the helicopter when we went up in May, but didn't spot anything. About a month or so ago, we got a call from a hunter who had come across some bones. Given the location, we knew it was the deceased horse reported a year ago, and we also know now which horse it was. He was a very old stallion who has been on our "not seen" list for about a year. He died a natural death, far, far away from humans in the place where he lived his entire life. It's the end we wish for all of our wild and free ones. The gentleman who found his remains brought us the skull so that we can recover DNA from it, and respectfully buried the rest of the bones under an oak tree near where he died.
So where is Brio's mom? She is not lost. Perhaps she died and her remains are deep in the marsh. Perhaps she is alive and well, under the cover of the live oaks and reedgrass, and the blooming sea oats will draw her out come June. There is no question that Brio could not have made it out of the marsh (where they were both last seen just a couple weeks before he showed up alone) to where we found him on his own. She either brought him there on purpose, or he couldn't keep up with her and was left behind. If she died anywhere near there, it's very, very likely we would have found her body by now. We can only wait and see, but we must remember that she is not lost. She is wherever she wants to be; she is a wild animal with free will and strong instincts and despite all of our very best efforts, sometimes we just have to let them be.
These are just a couple examples of the challenges that come with managing a population of wild animals, while at the same time working to preserve an endangered breed. There is much we simply just don't have any control over, and that's the tradeoff if they are to stay wild as they have been for the last 500 years.
Have a look through the photos included in this post. They will give you a better idea of what the habitat really looks like. Zoom in on some, and you may spot horses hidden in the marsh that you might not have noticed at first glance. There are some satellite views, one of the entire habitat (the red dots are locations of horses we saw when we last flew over) and one is a close up of Brio's mom's territory. It is such a beautiful, special place - some of the last truly pristine land left on the East Coast. It can be harsh and inhospitable, but also so full of life. We are lucky to call it home, and honored to play a small part in trying to preserve it for the horses and other wildlife, the people who live here and come here to visit, and the future.
Great explanation of horse migration and why we sometimes see them during certain times of the year and sometimes don't. All of you do such a fantastic job of caring for the horses and educating us! Thank you so much! ❤️
I had wondered if she knew she was ill so she took him where the humans would find him?? Thank you for this great well written story of our horses. Thank you to all the volunteers that give thier time and thier love to these beautiful horses.
What a beautifully written piece! It is so gratifying to learn more about the habits of these magical horses and also to learn the large size of their habitat. Thank you for sharing this informative and perfectly written post and the photos. I’m so glad they have so much room to roam…and that they have guardian angels like you! 😇💙
She isn’t lost. She’s exactly where she wants to be. I love this SO much. There is something so magical and spiritual about - even domesticated- horses. 💗💗
Thank you for all of your updates. We love knowing about the horses lives (and sadly deaths). It is all a part of natures plan, and we can only admire from afar. We appreciate all that you do for the horses. Please keep up the good work!!!
Big Job! Thankful for your group to act as protectors and ambassadors for the wild things. Makes me feel humbled just reading what you wrote about. These horses are so smart! Thank you all!
Thank you so very much for sharing these photos and this information. I am so glad this land is being preserved for them. Is there a foundation to which we can donate that funding goes directly to helping keep the land and horses safe? Would love to become part of that!! Thank you, again; and thank you for all you do.
For 37 years, we’ve been vacationing in this area. The first advice locals gave us was to learn about the wild horses and respect them and their habitat. We did just that! Thank you for everything you do!!
THANKYOU for these very informative posts. I had no idea looking out for these wild horses was so challenging & requires such diligence. You all are doing a wonderful job!
What a beautiful and educational narrative. I enjoyed the photos of the area. The staff at CWHF do an outstanding service to this wonderful herd. Thank you all!! ❤️🐴
Thank you for taking the time to explain the life of a wild horse. They are so beautiful and we are lucky to have the chance to see them and learn how they live. Much respect to you and the horses.
Fantastic post and so informative. Thank you for everything that you do for this herd of beautiful and endangered horses. Pictures are wonderful.
Love the information you provided, I never realized how much land they have to roam in. You all do an amazing job..thank you so much for taking care of them and keeping them safe!
Absolutely beautiful & amazing! Thank you for sharing. Praying for the health & safety of all the Corolla Wild horses! ❤️🙏🏼
Wow! That’s good information! I never knew. Hopefully she is safe and will be spotted soon. Love all the photos. Certainty gives you a deeper understanding. Thank you so much for sharing! Love the Wild Horses❤️🐴❤️
Absolutely beautiful! This place is in my bucket list to see this summer and I hope to be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the wild horses!
Magnificent post about these awesome animals and their habitats.. Visited there some years ago and was in awe of this wonderful preserve !!!! Thank you for everything!!
Thanks for this post . I have always wondered how much space they had to roam. This is truly amazing! You are all wonderful people and truly blessed.
This was written so beautifully, thank you for sharing your passion and respect for these animals through your words!
Wow…the photos are amazing! But…Thank you for the education lesson on the horses that we all love. Who knew 😍
These recaps/stories/informative pieces are wonderful! (Whoever writes them does a great job)! I have learned so much here and it makes me appreciate our yearly trek to Corolla even more! Ya'll take us on a journey every time you post- most good, of course..and some sad..but always wonderful. Keep up the amazing work you do...for us...but most especially for them!! ♥
Great post. Loved reading about the horses habitat and seeing pictures from above.
Informative and beautifully written post. We took a tour with Wild Horse Adventures last month, and I remember thinking how we could be driving by dozens of horses without knowing - how easily they could be tucked behind a sand dune or hidden in dense brush just 5 feet off the road. To see your aerial views makes me appreciate even more how hidden they can be!
I love this explanation … and how wonderful in this day and age of BLM roundups that these horses still roam free ❤️ one of these days when we come down to Pea Island I hope I can go up to Corolla and catch a glimpse of them
Thank you for sharing this 💙 the community , & preservation of land, nature /wildlife is one of our big reasons for choosing this place as our home away from home 💙
We have some very exciting news to share today - we finally have proof that Bee, the first foal born in 2021, is alive and well and he’s a colt!
Bee was born far out in the marsh and his parents kept him back there for an entire year! We saw them from the helicopter in May but there were no sightings after that. We were beginning to think we were hallucinating. 🤪 But yesterday, almost exactly a year after he was born, he and his dad showed up in a yard not too far from where he was first seen. He looks great; healthy and thriving and nearly a carbon copy of his sire Cobb.
The horses have about 7600 acres of land to roam, and the majority of it is not easily accessible by humans. Even from the helicopter it’s often impossible to see horses because of the tree cover and even the marsh grass. It grows taller than a horse in the summer! Finding them can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. There are several horses we only see maybe once or twice a year because they do not venture out of the marsh.
Nice to officially meet you, Bee! Thanks for proving we are not, in fact, hallucinating foals. 😂🐝
He’s absolutely gorgeous. So Happy to hear he was spotted! Love this & these beautiful wild horses ❤️🐴❤️🐴
Wow! Now I literally see what you are up against in finding foals! Amazing work! The horses are so beautiful!
Beautiful!!! Good for his parents to keep him safe from humans who don’t know and understand how to follow rules to keep them safe
Wonderful news to read. I can see how hard it is to see the horses if they decide they like the marsh area best. Thanks for all your efforts to watch over the herd. ❤️
That is awesome… so glad to see a picture of him!
Great news!! He is precious. Thanks for posting!
Good for them!! At times, I’d like to stay hidden if I could! Great news! ❤️
Thank you so very much for sharing such a wonderful sighting. Have you seen Brio’s Mom yet ?
This is fantastic news! I'm actually glad he was able to hide from onlookers for a year. Other than the safety factor, it gave him a lot of protection from horse tours. ❤️🤗
Omgosh!! Bee is Handsome!! I love this sight and seeing new foals each year.
He is beautiful. Maybe they stay in the marsh because it’s so hot in the summer and they can stay cool under the brush and come in come out at night for the ocean. That’s just a thought
Always love hearing good news! He’s a Handsome boy!
Wonderful news! Smart parents!
Congratulations. Yeah!! Long life
Thanks for sharing their beauty & majesty.
Fantastic news! And so handsome! 🥰
Wonderful news before I sleep
How exciting! Love news like this.
Wonderful news!
Such great news!!!
Sounds like a great pair of parents! Yay Bee!
How magical! I love that they just disappear into the marsh and come back as they please. I might be jealous!
What a handsome boy, thank you for sharing! 🐴
Parents know what is best for the foal
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing these photos.
Who wants a Brio update?? That’s a trick question - the answer is “who doesn’t?!” 😁 He’s doing great. Has graduated to a larger paddock where he’s got some room to stretch his legs. We are so pleased with how much better his legs are looking - good nutrition and hoof trimming have worked wonders. He’s clearly feeling much better and every day he acts more and more like a normal 8 month old colt. He’s learning how to be brushed, he now walks right up to us for attention, and he is so much more alert and aware of his surroundings. His next milestone will be a bath! 🛁
So happy to hear of Brio’s very positive progress!!! What a change since you rescued him. ❤️❤️
He looks fantastic, gaining weight and very alert. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.
Wonderful! You guys have done a great job taking care of him! He looks sooo much better than he did! He is a special little boy.
Lucky little colt to have such wonderful people to care for him! Any update on his mom??
Yay!!! What great news, I’m so happy to hear this! You guys are the best!❤️ I have to ask is there any updates on his mom?
We met Brio and his name perfectly suits him♡♡♡Definition of Brio... Enthusiastic, vigor, verve due to your wonderful care! Thank you Corolla Wild Horse Fund!!
I love how fuzzy he is!!! Will he stay that fuzzy or is it baby coat?
Sweet!!’ He sure is a handsome boy Do y’all breed the horses that have to stay on the farm no longer able to be in the wild
Thank you for the update 💙love hearing how well Brio is doing!!
I think this is Brio in August when I took a tour
Oh he’s beautiful! So glad to hear he’s doing better! ❤️🐴❤️🐴
Can’t wait to see him at the open house!!❤️❤️
Oh My goodness. I can't wait to see him in June. I hope you let your guest see him.
What an incredible change! Go Brio!!!
Aww so sweet. Glad he's doing better. He reminds me of William.
That's awesome. Your great care has saved him. Thank you.
Good job guys!! He is gorgeous!!
Brio is so cute. A young one with a crazy topknot.
Thank you for the update. He's such a cutie! Thank you for showing him love and care.
Wonderful progress! He’s coming along nicely!
Any news on his mare? Or did I miss an update.... So glad the little dude is thriving 🌱
He is a very special little guy! ❤
Will he ever be able to return to the wild or is he at the farm forever now?
Adorable! Love that fuzzy little coat!!
Amazing! God bless you and all of the wonderful work you do <3
