Author Archive for: Corolla Wild Horse Fund

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Entries by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Dove has arrived!

March 28, 2023/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Spring is here, and so are the foals! This filly, named Dove, was born in the last week and appears to be thriving. Her mother is in excellent condition too. […]

Farewell Finn

March 13, 2023/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

This morning (3/12/23) we are sad to announce the death of 11-year-old wild stallion Finn, who we humanely euthanized yesterday due to an irreparably broken hind leg. Finn had been […]

Junior is home!

February 1, 2023/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Junior is home! He has settled in and seems comfortable and happy. He’s got to stay in a stall for the next 30 days, but we took out a wall […]

Outer Banks wild horse film wins honors at EQUUS arts fest

May 11, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

May 11, 2022 Note from CWHF – 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 […]

Welcome Cricket!

May 5, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

May 5, 2022 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 […]

Hello Charlie!

March 25, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

March 25,2022 Foaling season has officially begun! Welcome to the world, baby number one – a colt we are calling Charlie. Please remember to give mares and foals plenty of […]

Brio Update

March 14, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

March 14, 2022 Report by Meg Puckett, Herd Manager It’s been exactly a week since we rescued Brio, and we are happy to report today that he continues to […]

Brio Removed from the Wild

March 10, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

March 10, 2022 Two Sundays ago (2/27) we were alerted to the fact that Brio, who was born last summer, seemed to be alone. While he was understandably calling for […]

Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s Herd Manager, Meg Puckett, Honored Along with Others

November 8, 2021/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

The Currituck Chamber of Commerce has honored 11 area businesses and individuals with awards for 2021 Business of the Year and Tourism Awards.

Our Herd has Increased by One!

September 20, 2021/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

This colt was born Saturday afternoon and is doing well. His name is Bravo.

Latest News

Remembering RaymondNovember 6, 2024 - 1:20 pm
Fatal Wild Horse IncidentJuly 29, 2024 - 6:52 pm
Elvis has arrived!May 8, 2024 - 12:50 pm
It’s a Girl!May 6, 2024 - 12:47 pm
Hello, Ezra!April 29, 2024 - 12:44 pm

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 day ago

The Wild Horse Management Plan, a cooperative agreement signed between CWHF, Currituck County, the state of North Carolina, and US Fish and Wildlife Service, contains specific action items regarding the establishment of an ancestry as well as on-going research into the genetic makeup of the Corolla herd. Over the last two decades DNA samples were taken when feasible, but resources and technology never allowed for a wide-scale study of the entire herd. However, in recent years as the horses face mounting threats due to encroachment, environmental changes caused by climate change, and a decreased herd size, the role that breed conservation plays in their survival has become increasingly important.

In 2020 we embarked on an ambitious project to collect DNA from every Corolla Banker - wild and domestic, and we started with the Dews Island horses.

Dews Island, located in the Currituck Sound, was a sanctuary for a group of horses that were removed from Corolla in the late 1990s after the fence was installed. These horses learned how to get around the fence and continued to frequent the residential neighborhoods of Corolla, and were known for raiding the vegetable stand and even using the automatic doors to go into Food Lion. Their antics made them famous and stories about them were published regularly in the local papers. In 1999, it was decided that the group needed to be relocated for their safety and the safety of everyone who came in contact with them. They were rounded up and moved to the island, where they lived for nearly 20 years. In 2017, CWHF was asked to relocate the remaining eight mares from the island (the stallion, Little Red Man, died in 2008 leaving behind several of the original horses from Corolla and some offspring that were born on Dews Island).

As we started getting their DNA reports back from the lab it became clear that one mare, who we had named Moxie, was the matriarch of that particular line. We started digging into old records and newspapers, and reached out to people who helped manage the herd back then to find out more about her. We eventually learned her original name was Chaos so we dubbed this foundation family the Chaos Line. Moxie is still well-represented in the wild herd and has many relatives living in captivity now too. She was sister to Luna, Buttercup, Bella (aka Utter Chaos), Little Star, and Secotan. She was an aunt to Rita, and Dudley is her brother. Her son Arrow also lives on the farm now.

Moxie’s grandfather was Star, the stallion who was tragically hit and killed on the paved road in the early 90s and whose death was the catalyst for the creation of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

We lost Moxie to old age in June, but her death wasn’t the end of her story. She lives on in her legacy, in her relatives, and in everything she taught us, and none of that would have been possible without her DNA.

As of today, we have collected samples from around 150 horses and counting. From this we can build ancestries, learn more about herd dynamics, movement, and breeding behavior, test for all kinds of genetic conditions from diseases to unique color patterns, and build a breed database that will help other managers far into the future. We can identify areas of the habitat with less diverse genetic representation and target those areas for future introductions of Shackleford horses. We can identify mares who are already well-represented and use non-hormonal contraceptives to prevent them from oversaturating the population. The additional data has revealed that there is more than one maternal line represented in the Corolla herd, and we have not found any evidence of problematic levels of inbreeding.

All of this research will allow us to make responsible decisions about breed management and population control that will lead to a healthier herd overall, and it can be done in a way that is minimally invasive and does not greatly interfere with the horses’ natural lives. And in the end we hope that what we’re learning here will help others who are managing wild horses or working to preserve other rare breeds.

DNA research has shown that the Banker horses living on the coast of North Carolina are the last remaining population of this breed that still exists in its original state, having not been excessively crossed with any other types of horses. The work we’re doing with DNA not only gives us a better understanding of the genetic health and makeup of the herd, but when combined with primary historical accounts could also help researchers pinpoint the exact origins of the breed.

The DNA is helping us tell the whole story.

The science and the reconstruction of the history is ever-evolving, but one thing is for sure - the Banker horses are unlike any other breed in the world, and the conservation of these special genetics is a critical part of their long-term survival.

Your support is what makes this groundbreaking work possible, and from now until the end of the year your donation will have double the impact thanks to a $40k match. Get involved today: www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ ... See MoreSee Less

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I find it absolutely amazing the genetic work y’all are doing ! And you have a match for funds! That’s awesome - will send a bit as well - ya’ll are heroes for these historic equines for sure. Thank you ☺️

Thank-you for sharing this interesting story! My family has been coming to Corolla since the mid-90s and I well remember finding the wild horses roaming throughout the Corolla Light neighborhood. I was even surprised once by finding 2 horses standing under the house when I opened the door to head to the beach! It makes me wonder if one was Moxie, haha. Bless you and the work you do.

Jean Fitzsimmons Hey Miss Maui.....sharing more amazing facts about horses here 🐎 CWHF does an outstanding job overseeing n caring for the herds.

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 days ago

The Banker horses are seasonal grazers and utilize different parts of their habitat at different times of the year, based on what’s growing at the time. They are thrifty keepers and can survive on very few calories. We do not provide any supplemental feed to the wild horses - there is plenty of natural forage to get them through the winter and they know exactly where to find it!

Photos taken today.

www.corollawildhorses.org ... See MoreSee Less

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Glad to hear bout Gus I was thinking about him yesterday

Didn’t realize you guys sell merch… I’ll be purchasing some.

Any new sightings of Gus?

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 days ago

Ethan (b. May 2024) has his winter woolies on today! On cold days like today the horses look extra fluffy because their hair is designed to stand up on end to create a layer of insulation between the air and their skin. If you ever see a horse with snow on its back that means they are very warm - their body heat is not escaping their thick coat and causing the snow to melt. Not sure if we’ll see snow here on the Outer Banks this winter but if we do the horses will be well-equipped to handle it. 🧣

www.corollawildhorses.org ... See MoreSee Less

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Do they ever need farrier services, like my horse or do they wear their hooves down by migrating and the sand?

He’s so cute 🐴😍

Is this adaptation unique to the Bankers or does it happen with wild horses across the country?

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

6 days ago

There is something for everyone at the CWHF Gift Shop, both in-person and online! The best part? All proceeds from your purchases help us keep the horses in the wild free, the rescued horses on the farm well cared for, and our efforts to preserve the Bankers’ habitat ongoing.

Our small staff has been busy getting out your online orders for the holidays, running our 2024 Year-End Campaign, and carrying out our day-to-day work - and all of it is thanks to you!

Shop online at www.corollawildhorses.com/shop/. 🐴🎄

Or visit us at 1130-E Corolla Village Rd in Corolla, Monday - Friday from 11am-3pm. ✨ ... See MoreSee Less

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 week ago

We are on call for emergencies involving the wild horses 24/7, 365. It’s impossible to predict when the phone will ring or what it will be about, but the majority of the calls we get aren’t immediate emergencies. Often people are reporting injuries we’re already aware of and monitoring (but we still encourage you to always call if you see something concerning - better safe than sorry), or it’s an issue for law enforcement to handle, like people getting too close to the horses. But when the phone rings in the middle of the night we know before even answering that something very bad has happened. These are never “thanks, we’ll keep an eye on it” calls.

This was the case late on the night of July 26, when 10-year-old stallion Bullwinkle was struck and ultimately killed by someone driving a UTV on the beach. The incident was witnessed by a visitor who was surf fishing with his son and who thankfully called 911 to report it. The driver was arrested for leaving the scene, but that didn’t fix Bullwinkle’s two broken legs or internal bleeding. The damage was already done, regardless of the consequences the driver faced as a result of his actions. A young, healthy, well-bred stallion was gone from the critically endangered herd forever.

As far as we know Bullwinkle never had a chance to sire any foals. He was in the prime of his life and was well known for his strong drive to breed. He was constantly challenging other stallions and fighting for mares. In fact, the day before he was killed we posted a video of him trying to steal mares away from another stallion. These are very desirable traits for a wild stallion. Not all of them have this drive and those that do are the ones who will win the mares and pass those strong genes down to their foals. They are the horses who have shaped the herd into the strong, stable, healthy population that it is today.

Unfortunately, survival of the fittest doesn’t really come into play when faced with irresponsible, dangerous human behavior.

Last week we talked about how the Corolla horses have always lived around humans, and how that has played a big role in the development of the Bankers as a unique breed. (In case you missed it: shorturl.at/DGWhi) Long before the 4x4 beaches were a tourist destination there were already people, houses, and traffic here. The horses have learned how to navigate all of this and live in relative harmony with us - it’s an intrinsic part of their nature now.

But it’s also important to be realistic about the inherent dangers of this kind of environment, especially as more and more people access the area every year. There are some things that we can’t change or fully control. Beach driving is a necessity and traffic will always be a fact of life here. There will always be garbage cans full of trash in the summer. People will always be tempted to feed a horse an apple. These things all present threats to the horses, but only if people aren’t responsible and careful. We do have control over our own actions. We can choose to drive safely, we can choose to follow the rules and keep our distance, and we can choose to educate others and report unsafe behavior when we see it.

A horse choking to death on an apple is avoidable.

A horse getting into unsecured garbage cans is avoidable.

A horse getting hit by a careless driver is avoidable.

CWHF feels very strongly that we have a responsibility to keep the Corolla herd accessible; they are the state horse of North Carolina and a cultural and historical resource. They belong to all of us, and people should have the opportunity to see them in their most natural state. This means that everyone who shares space with them has a personal responsibility to help keep them safe. Habitat is more than just grass and dunes. It’s everything the horses encounter on a daily basis, and that includes us. We have to do our best to lessen any negative impact we might have on that habitat and the good news is most people who live, work, or vacation on the 4x4 do genuinely care about the horses and want to protect them. .

Bullwinkle has been the only horse to die or be removed from the wild in 2024 due to unnatural causes. That’s pretty remarkable, and means that the work we’re doing to advocate for the horses’ safety and protection is making a difference. The number of calls we’ve gotten about feeding and petting wild horses has been going down each season. The sheriff told us that our signs are working - law enforcement is seeing a difference. There are critter-proof garbage cans at most rental houses now, and we’ve gotten far fewer calls about trash this year. People are reporting bad behavior when they see it and doing their part to help educate visitors who may not know better.

It’s still hard to talk about Bullwinkle’s death. It was tragic, violent, and preventable. It was traumatic for our staff and for the people who came out to help us that night. It was a devastating loss for the critically endangered wild herd. But if sharing his story keeps other horses from meeting the same fate, then he didn’t die in vain. We will continue to talk about him even though it’s painful, and hope that like many of his storied ancestors his death will become a catalyst for positive change.

Today is #GivingTuesday, and we’d like to ask that you consider making a donation in honor of Bullwinkle. The role we all play in these horses’ lives may have changed over the decades, but people are still critically important to their long term survival here on the Northern Outer Banks. Join us today and your gift will be matched up to $40k - there’s really never been a better time to get involved. Your support has already made a noticeable, tangible difference - let’s keep the momentum going!

www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ ... See MoreSee Less

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I hope you are running fast and living a great life in heaven dear beautiful Bullwinkle!!💙💙You are missed!! Big thank you to all whom protect them!! You are appreciated greatly!!

Beach driving is a privilege, not a necessity. I wish more humans understood that. Thank you for all that you do.

During a visit in 2021, I took a pic of a lone stallion that visited the yard of the home we stayed in (2200 block of Sandpiper). He showed up in the morning while we were in the pool, grazing in the yard. We loved watching him from behind the fence (and have lots of photos of him!) By afternoon we thought he’d moved on but then found him enjoying the shade underneath our house. I snapped this picture of him from the stairwell before leaving him to enjoy his shady solitude. I have had the zoomed in/cropped version of this photo as my phone lock screen ever since. Can anyone identify which horse this is/was? It won’t let me add it to my comment. He was a solid bay, similar to Bullwinkle and I wonder if this was him? 😢 I changed my public profile picture to the photo I took of that stallion. Please note this photo is zoomed in/cropped and was taken from a distance upon a chance encounter and I then immediately left the area to avoid being too close to him. I take the safety of these horses very seriously and made sure we did everything correctly during our visits! ❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 week ago

Don’t forget about us if you’re doing some online shopping today! Our gift shop is fully stocked with CWHF apparel, books, artwork, the official 2025 calendar, and more! Shopping with us supports a great cause - all proceeds benefit the horses. 🎁🐎

www.corollawildhorses.com/cwhf-gift-shop/ ... See MoreSee Less

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What a perfect way to get a great present & help out the horses at the same time 🥰

I like the ornament shown, cannot see it on their website?

Love this

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

If you’re coming to meet one of our rescued Banker horses today we are planning on being at the museum around 3pm instead of 4pm - come over early if you can! It’s pretty chilly today so we want to utilize the sunlight while we can. Hope to see you this afternoon! ... See MoreSee Less

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

Tomorrow! 🎄🐎🎁 ... See MoreSee Less

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Suggestion - set up a link so that we can buy items from the gift shop on line if we are unable to attend in person.

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡 ... See MoreSee Less

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You too. 🦃🦃

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for all you do for the herd.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

We often talk about how the Bankers are a landrace breed, and how important that distinction is when it comes to advocating for their protection and preservation. It means that they have developed very specific and unique physical and behavioral adaptations based on their environment that set them apart from any other breed of horse in the world. They are intrinsically linked to this place and would not be what they are without the sand and salt, the nor'easters, the sea oats and live oaks, and yes, even the people.

Some of the characteristics of a landrace breed include unique dietary needs, a heightened immunity to vector-borne diseases endemic to an area, genetic integrity, and a distinctive phenotype. The Banker horses have spent centuries developing physical traits that allow them to survive on a pretty inhospitable spit of sand - their habitat is very much a part of their DNA. But there is another aspect of landrace breeds that is critically important when defining what makes a Banker a Banker, and that is their tie to the history, culture, and people of the region in which they live.

Over the centuries, humans have played just as much a role in the development of the Banker horse as their physical environment has, simply by being here and sharing space with them. That shared history is also a part of their DNA.

When Raymond died a couple weeks ago we lost more than just his physical presence. He was one of the last vestiges of an era that has now been mostly lost to history. While he may not have ticked off all those physical characteristics of a landrace breed, he was perhaps the best and most iconic example of our shared culture and history. He represented both sides of the coin - his mother was a wild Banker mare and his father was a domestic donkey, brought here by humans back when things were a little bit wilder and a little less regulated. As the stewards of this herd, it is our responsibility to record, preserve, and share this history. There’s an increasing urgency to do this as so many of the old timers (horses and humans alike) have begun to pass away in recent years. We have to acknowledge and celebrate this history because all of it - good, bad, and everything in between - has played a role in making the Banker horses what they are today.

This year we lost several iconic horses that played a big role in shaping the history of this herd, and who also represented the role CWHF has played in that history. Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing their stories again and talking about how they relate to various aspects of herd management, from DNA and genetics to rescue and rehab, habitat preservation, and balancing “wild and free” with increasing pressures from encroachment and development. We are optimistic about the future of this critically endangered herd - history has proven that they are strong, resilient, and adaptable and that with responsible, thoughtful management they will be able to survive here for many generations to come.

If you have not yet shared your memories of Raymond, we encourage you to do so: www.corollawildhorses.com/remembering-raymond-memorial-wall/ Be a part of preserving this history!

And don’t forget that through the end of the year a generous donor will be matching all donations - up to $40k! Your support is what allows us to continue elevating this incredibly important work and every single dollar makes a difference. Learn about all the different ways to get involved: www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/

(Photo: Raymond the mule walking on the beach at sunrise) ... See MoreSee Less

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Beautiful. Do you know which horse is in this image?

Since following your page, I have learned so much about the Banker horses and their history. Thank you for sharing so much information on these majestic horses. 🥰

I ❤️ the Banker horses! Glad my annual donation was deducted today so the donor will match it. I also support by liking/ sharing posts, adoption and shopping at the online store. I’ve been to the OBX but never to Corolla or the farm. I hope to visit next year! Thank you for all you do for those precious horses!🐎💗🙏🏼🌻

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

These ornaments honor two of our favorite old guys, both of whom we lost this year. They are made out of native Currituck clay and infused with Raymond and Junior’s hair. Each one is unique, and supplies are limited so don’t wait to order! Proceeds come back to CWHF to benefit the horses - thank you Middleton Clay Project! ❤️

Link to order below ⬇️AMADEO JR Ornaments and the Last of the RAYMONDS
www.middletonclayproject.com/shop/corolla-wild-horse-hair-pots/26 ... See MoreSee Less

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Are you doing them with flint also?

Will you have these in the store or at the Christmas Village at any point, or should we definitely order online?

These are beautiful. Just ordered a Raymond. He was so special.❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

Blossom and June are enjoying the warm sunshine at the farm this morning! 🥰

Don’t forget that if you make a donation now through the end of the year it will be matched - up to $40k! Your support allows us to provide a safe, permanent home to horses like this mother/daughter pair who had to be removed from the wild herd due to life-threatening illness and injury. Every dollar genuinely makes a difference!

Get involved today: www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/#top ... See MoreSee Less

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Good morning to these beautiful babies!!

Sweetest

Aawwww Good morning all!

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

Come see us Saturday November 30th in the Historic Corolla Village to kick off the holiday season! 🎄🐴

www.corollawildhorses.com/event/holiday-open-house-meet-a-banker/ ... See MoreSee Less

Come see us Saturday November 30th in the Historic Corolla Village to kick off the holiday season! 🎄🐴

https://www.corollawildhorses.com/event/holiday-open-house-meet-a-banker/

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is the only place you’ll find “Butts to the Wind” logo items this holiday season! From stickers and koozies to adult apparel and beach towels, we’ve got you covered. And the best part is that all proceeds go back to the horses! As you can see, even Buster and Riptide at the farm approve.🐴🎁

Shop for gifts that give back online 24/7 at www.corollawildhorses.com/cwhf-gift-shop/.

Or swing by the CWHF Museum and Gift Shop in Historic Corolla Village Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm. 🎄 Find our location and updated store hours at www.corollawildhorses.com/contact/. ... See MoreSee Less

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund Are the crew neck sweatshirts fitted on the bottom?

We got our sweatshirt!

I have a sticker and a sweatshirt 🐴💜☺️ love that there was a choice of sticker colors! such a great logo too, given the story of how it came about ☺️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

This email went out to our membership from our CEO Chris Winter and we wanted to share it with all of you are well. We are extremely excited to announce that there is a $40,000 match in place for our end-of-year fundraiser!

Donate today: www.corollawildhorses.com/one-time-donations/

*********

As we make our way to the end of 2024, all of us at the Corolla Wild Horse Fund are filled with gratitude for the myriad ways you have supported our mission this year. It certainly has been a year filled with unanticipated loss, but like the foals born in the spring, we are growing and evolving to meet the ever-changing challenges ahead of us.

A little less than two months ago, we were poised to kick-off our Fall Fundraiser, which is a critical campaign each year. Sadly, the timing coincided directly with the landfall of Hurricane Helene, and we made the decision to postpone that campaign and allow the focus to stay on the mountain communities where there was such immediate need.

In the place of the Fall Fundraiser, today we are kicking off our 2024 Year-End fundraising campaign. I am thrilled to share with you that through the generosity of a couple of our amazing donors, we have a match of $40,000 in place for this campaign. EVERY DOLLAR THAT YOU GIVE WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $40,000! Our challenge is now to come together and equal, then surpass, that goal!

Over the course of the campaign, which will run from November 19-December 31, you will hear from us in a variety of ways. You will receive a weekly email from us that tells the story of the many facets of our mission through the life of one of the horses that passed in 2024. In addition to posting those weekly emails, there will also be shorter posts sharing our story on Facebook. You can look for the State of the Fund video to be released in December. With the holidays upon us, don’t forget to visit us in Corolla or online to shop for your favorite CWHF merchandise. We will feature some of that merchandise over the next month. I cannot think of a better place to do some holiday shopping!

We look back over a year in which we lost several horses, all but one of those horses due to natural causes. This continues the growing body of evidence over the past few years that our education efforts are having a significantly positive impact. Your financial investment in our work makes our education initiatives possible. I cannot understate how direct your impact is. This is just one example of the types of stories that will be shared in this campaign, highlighting what happens as a result of your support.

When you give to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, you are giving in support of an extraordinarily dedicated and talented staff. You are giving in support of the farm in Grandy that serves as a beautiful sanctuary for horses that no longer live on the beach. You are giving in support of our growing efforts to protect the habitat that is home to the wild Bankers. You are giving in support of our efforts to educate all on the how to keep the wild herd safe. You are giving in support of this extraordinary mission and these extraordinary horses.

Our optimism for the future of the herd runs deep. I humbly ask you to share that optimism with us and walk alongside us in support of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. (And don’t forget, your gift will be matched!!)

Kind regards,
Chris Winter
CWHF Chief Executive Officer

Donate today: www.corollawildhorses.com/one-time-donations/ ... See MoreSee Less

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I just donated then see it went to a PayPal Fund to be distributed to Corolla Wild Horses within 45 days. I would have rather donated directly.

We live here in Western NC and was affected by Helene, we made the decision to come to the OBX last week as a get away. We visited your shop and bought the beautiful art piece made by one of your BOD, plus T-shirts and hoodies!! It was so amazing seeing the horses, and also seeing all the support from the people and business's at the OBX for us here in Western NC. Thanks for being there for us, and Thanks for the wonderful get away to my favorite place the OBX.

I have a beautiful vase from your shop with Blossom Knot's hair woven through it. I love it. I ordered it online. I will donate now. Thank you and God bless you for the work you do to save these beautiful horses.

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

The Banker horses are what’s known as a landrace breed. This means that they are unique from any other breed of horse in the world due to the adaptations they’ve developed over the last several hundred years that allow them to survive on the barrier islands of North Carolina. Breed conservation is key to their long term survival. These genes do not, and can not, exist anywhere else because the horses are intrinsically tied to our coastal landscape, culture, and history.

We are tasked with the tricky job of preserving these genetics while at the same time not interfering with the natural course of their lives. Luckily there is a lot of breed conservation work that can happen without being intrusive. In 2020 we undertook an ambitious project to collect DNA from every wild Corolla horse, along with any that have been removed from the herd and are currently living in captivity. From this we can build ancestries, learn more about herd dynamics, movement, ages, and breeding behavior, test for genetic diseases, and build a breed database that will help other managers far into the future.

The farm also provides opportunities for breed conservation. While we have yet to breed any of the captive Bankers, we have plans to do so in the future. We’ve also begun collecting and storing semen from our stallions so that should something happen to them, their genes will be preserved for many years to come.

Your continued support is vital to their survival as well - join us today: www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ Memberships and sponsorships make great holiday gifts! ... See MoreSee Less

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likes love haha wow 1925
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Then stop building houses in the 4x4 area north of the horse gate! Restrict beach access by vehicle to so many days per year and only between certain hours! Protect the horses not the wallet

Where do you send the DNA?

I'd love to learn more about your research and conservation efforts. Do you have cameras out in the wild to observe without intruding? I'm sure you're familiar with the Help Alberta Wildies Society and their remote cams and YouTube channel that gather information and help raise funds...could you do something like this, or would it risk bringing too many people into your more accessible area?

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

We spent a lot of time this week filling low spots in the pastures with topsoil and then it rained last night night and this morning. Now Buster, Brio, and Louie are having a mud wallowing competition. Who do you think won? 🤔 (The prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place is the same - a good brushing!)

www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Everyone was a winner with a good brushing! Mud wallowing must have felt great to them. 😊❤️

I’d say they all gave it their best efforts! And they look so handsome!😂

Buster is always a winner in my heart 💕💕🥰😘

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

Did you know that every purchase you make in our gift shop in Corolla and in our online store helps the horses? All proceeds benefit both the wild Bankers and those on our farm.

The holiday season is just around the corner and we have lots of new items in stock. Stop by and see us or shop online at corollawildhorses.org/shop. 🐴❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund Hi! 🐴 Would you please tell me, are the Spanish Mustangs horses or ponies? I’ve have heard them referred to both ways. There is a discrepancy on one of the OBX groups. Thanks 😊

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

In a herd of around 100 horses, every single individual matters. The Bankers are a highly-threatened, critically endangered breed and the conservation of those rare and invaluable genetics are at the forefront of all the work that we do. It’s not enough to simply maintain a population of horses in the wild; we also need to ensure that they are genetically healthy and that their habitat can support them for many generations to come.

We maintain individual files on each horse, and these records include identification photos, foaling history for mares, a log of injuries or illnesses, DNA, associations, and any other relevant management information. Each horse is assigned a registration number and kept track of from birth to death. Our staff is on the beach seven days a week observing the horses. They record latitude and longitude coordinates for tracking and habitat use purposes, behaviors like fighting, grazing, or breeding, weather conditions, and more. The more we know about how these horses spend their days, the better equipped we will be to save them.

There are lots of ways you can get involved and help us continue this important work. Learn more: www.corollawildhorses.com/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you so much for the vision and the work. The earth its' own self is better for what you do. Very much appreciated. So grateful to "know" some of these amazing horses thanks to your groups' efforts. Years ago on a rainy Thanksgiving weekend at Ocean Sands (I think) when the whole area was dark with only a few people there in those winter days (maybe 1978), I was trying to decide about an offer to start teaching riding lessons again in addition to my real job, after several years off from lessons. Several of the ponies hung out of the rain all weekend under the house and my decision could have not been more clear. The result was a wonderfully successful 20 year lesson program back home in West Virginia. I've always been grateful to those messengers and for the work you all do to protect them.

Corolla Wild Horse Fund how is Gus?

Things have come a long way since we first started going down there in the mid 70s. As more people discovered the area, more cars meant more danger for the horses. Even though I no longer visit the area, I’m so pleased that the animals are being protected and managed with so much concern and attention. Thank you! 🐴

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

Since Raymond passed away we’ve gotten a lot of questions about how Blossom is doing. Short answer - she’s just fine. She’s living with her daughter June now and they are both very happy.

We rescued Blossom, who is in her late 20s or maybe even 30, last fall after she tore a ligament in one of her front legs. After she was fully healed we decided to see how she and Raymond would get along with each other at the farm since they did live together in the wild. Introductions went great, and they spent almost a year happily together. We called their paddock the old folks home. 🩷 Blossom was standing in the pasture next to us when we euthanized Raymond, and we gave her plenty of time with him afterwards to say her goodbyes.

If you haven’t already, please visit Raymond’s special memorial page on our website to share your stories and photos with everyone: www.corollawildhorses.com/remembering-raymond-submissions/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Oh no! When did Raymond pass? I must have missed the noticed.

✨Thank you for giving his pasture mates access to Raymond’s remains so they would understand that Raymond didn’t just disappear and then continue to look for him. Animals understand death and they grieve their loss. Thanks to all of you who give of your time to care for these beautiful creatures always with an eye towards what is truly best for them and doing your best to help them to remain free, while having a safe place for them to land as a last resort.

Thank you for stepping in and giving these beautiful animals the care they need🐴

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About Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Entries by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

Dove has arrived!

Farewell Finn

Junior is home!

Outer Banks wild horse film wins honors at EQUUS arts fest

Welcome Cricket!

Hello Charlie!

Brio Update

Brio Removed from the Wild

Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s Herd Manager, Meg Puckett, Honored Along with Others

Our Herd has Increased by One!

Corolla Wild Horse Fund

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