Lizzie’s Rescue

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We had to perform a difficult rescue on Saturday, one that has been in the works for a year.
After Alex was born last year, his mom Lizzie got a wound on her knee that didn’t want to heal. She was sound and in good condition otherwise, so after consulting with the vet we decided to leave her in the wild so that she could raise Alex. Otherwise, we would have to remove them both and we really didn’t want to do that. We monitored her closely through the summer and fall, knowing that the plan would be to remove her for treatment this summer once Alex was old enough to be weaned. Unfortunately, the pair disappeared deep into the marsh in the early winter and despite our staff and Carova residents looking for them regularly, we never could find them. We even spent a few extra minutes during our recent helicopter survey to see if we could spot them from the air.
On Friday we got a call from one of the residents who had been helping us, letting us know Lizzie and Alex had shown up in her yard. So Saturday morning we jumped into action and went to rescue Lizzie. We blew two tires in the process and it was very difficult (emotionally) for us to separate her from Alex even though we knew he would be ok, but at the end of the day Lizzie walked right up onto the trailer like she had known the plan all along. She did an amazing job raising a big, strong, healthy colt and now it was her turn to be taken care of. Alex was understandably upset but seems to be adjusting just fine.
We are fairly certain that Lizzie is suffering from the same fungal infection that Riptide had last summer, which will require surgery at NC State. Right now she is at the rescue farm learning how to be handled and led so it will be less stressful for her and the staff at NCSU, but we anticipate taking her to Raleigh towards the end of this week or beginning of next. We’d also like her to gain a little bit of weight before she has surgery. She’s been started on antibiotics, has pre-op xrays scheduled, and the wound is getting cleaned and medicated daily. She is not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination. We will know more about what we’re facing in the next couple days and will certainly keep everyone posted. But for right now Lizzie is stable and comfortable at the farm; she immediately started eating hay and took a big drink of clean water, and stands quietly to get her leg cleaned. She’s young and otherwise seems to be in good health so we are *very* cautiously optimistic but don’t want to get ahead of ourselves yet. All of this could change in an instant, but we want to be as open and transparent as possible every step of the way. This is going to be a long journey for Lizzie.
This rescue would not have happened if it weren’t for the incredible support of our community. Jeff and Angie Foster let us borrow a trailer tire when ours blew, and Jeff put it on and helped us get re-hitched and up the beach, and also got a new tire back on our beach truck. Jay Bender picked us up and got us back to our headquarters for another truck when we that tire blew, our amazing Currituck deputies kept an eye on us as we were heading up and down the beach, and a whole host of Carova residents helped us locate and track the horses Saturday morning. Our vet talked us through the very emotional separation of mom and son for which we are grateful – sticking to the plan can be hard in the heat of the moment, even when you know it’s the right thing to do. And finally, our staff deserves major kudos for jumping into action early Saturday morning and getting the job done despite all the difficulties.
As soon as we know more about what Lizzie is facing in the coming days we will post another update, but in the meantime please send her all your good energy, prayers, light, and love. As with every rescue, we are going to do everything in our power to save her. If you’re able to donate towards her veterinary care, we would be very appreciative. We’re able to do this work because of your support. We know the horses can always count on you when the call goes out – you are just as much a part of the team as everyone with boots on the ground here! Thank you.

Signs, signs everywhere a sign … to stay away from the wild horses

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OBX Today

May 21, 2021 by Kari Pugh

An anonymous donor had 20 signs made to place along the dunes. [CWHF photo]

As another summer season gets underway, an anonymous donor recently had 20 large signs made warning beachgoers to stay away from the wild horses on the Outer Banks’ northern beaches.

“The “I didn’t see a sign!” excuse has officially become obsolete,” the Corolla Wild Horse Fund said in a Facebook post. “These banners join the signs already in place at the end of the paved road.”

Despite all the signs, a billboard, educational material distributed by rental agencies, warnings plastered on websites and social media and deputies patrolling the beach, every year hundreds of people continue ignoring the warnings to stay away from the Outer Banks endangered herd of Colonial Spanish mustangs.

The law states that everyone must stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses roaming the beaches of the Currituck Outer Banks. Petting them and feeding them is illegal. Yet all day, every day in the summertime, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund fields calls and messages about people breaking the rules.

Last July, a yearling colt named Danny choked on an apple and died a prolonged and painful death due to people ignoring the rules.

“Danny was killed by humans who had no regard for the safety of the horses. No regard for the health of the horses. No regard for the laws put in place to protect the horses,” the CWHF said at the time.

“It takes a village and our village is dedicated to keeping these precious horses safe!”

Two new foals welcomed to Corolla wild horse herd

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Coastland Times

Published 8:46 am Sunday, May 2, 2021

The Corolla Wild Horse fund recently introduced two new foals born to the herd.

“Benjamin, a colt, was born on April 11 and Bridget, a filly, was born on April 23. Both babies have attentive and experienced parents and are doing well! The count for 2021 so far is five – one colt, three fillies, and one yet to be determined,” stated the announcement.

Benjamin the colt. Kristen Vreeland photo, courtesy Corolla Wild Horse Fund
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reminded all to “keep [your] distance from these new families. Fifty feet at minimum. Do not exit your vehicle or climb the dunes to get closer to them – it’s dangerous for them and for you. Each one of these foals is critically important to the long-term survival of the Corolla herd. We need them to grow up healthy, strong, and wild! Please help us make sure that happens.”

 

 

Corolla Wild Horse Fund Welcomes Spring’s First Foals!

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Cuteness aside, 2021 has already gotten off to a dramatic start for the Outer Banks herd.

Southern Living – By Meghan Overdeep 

April 01, 2021

Spring is officially here, which means plenty of cute new additions to the Outer Banks’ most famous herd of wild horses.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) revealed on Facebook this week that the Corolla herd has welcomed two new foals so far this year. While the first foal has stuck to the marsh and out of human view, the second, an energetic filly named Billie, is already keeping herd managers on their toes.

Billie (CWHF is going with “B” names this year) was born early Monday morning to father Dean and mom Imp. Drama quickly ensued, however, when the other adult in the harem, Autumn, decided that Billie was hers and would not let Imp near her. Fortunately, Autumn is letting Imp nurse Billie, but officials worry that that could change in an instant.

The family situation is tenuous, to say the least, and a good reminder that people should leave these majestic animals in peace.

“It would be great if this foal and her family were out of the public eye, like Baby 1. But they are not, so we are pleading with everyone to stay away from them,” CWHF wrote alongside photos of Billie on Facebook. “If you love the horses, the best thing you can do for Billie is pretend like she isn’t there. This family needs time to bond and figure their harem dynamics out.  And Billie needs to be able to nurse when she can without disruption. It is literally a life-or-death situation.”

According to the Wild Horse Ordinance of Currituck County, feeding the wild horses or getting within 50 feet of them is punishable by law. Cruelty, enticing, harboring, luring, seizing, and failure to report injury are also illegal, among numerous other offenses.

Remember, wild horses are above all, wild. They rely on each other and their instincts to keep them safe, and most have limited interaction with people. Even their dedicated human caretakers know the best approach is a hands-off one, preferring to let them fend for themselves, just as they have for centuries.

For more information on the horses and how to visit the area responsibly, visit CorollaWildHorses.com.

In the meantime, we’re hoping Billie, Imp, and Autumn figure this co-parenting thing out ASAP!

PODCAST: Corolla Wild Horse Fund herd manager Meg Puckett

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News Talk 92.3 WZPR

Conversation with Sam Walker and Meg Puckett

Meg stopped into News Talk 92.3 WZPR to chat with Sam about the latest on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s efforts to protect the wild Spanish mustangs that roam the Currituck Outer Banks. Give a listen here, Sam is quite knowledgeable on the horses and it was a great conversation.

Day on the Farm - Corolla Wild Horses Rehabilitation and rescue

Day on the Farm

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Enjoy an inside look at the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center, a 31-acre facility in Grandy where our rescued mustangs have been residing since 2014. Rescue and conservation are key components of our mission and we have recognized the need for a permanent “off-island” sanctuary.

Wild horses live on in one man’s art

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By  on October 4, 2020

On Oct. 3, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) reported this news about ceramics artist Michael Middleton, who incorporates hair from the wild horses into his work.

“How cool is this? One of Mike’s pots made from native Currituck clay and our dear Captain’s hair will be on display at the International Museum of the Horse in Lexington, KY. A great honor for a special horse and a talented artist. Also very exciting to have Currituck and the Banker horses represented in the museum!

You can purchase your own pot from Mike: https://michaelmiddletonceramics.com   He is a big supporter of CWHF and donates part of the proceeds back to the horses.” Captain, one of the truly special and beloved Corolla wild horses, was euthanized last year. He was estimated to have been in his late-to-mid 20’s.

Outer Banks wild mustang rescued from beach, hospitalized after leg injury

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Outer Banks wild mustang rescued from beach, hospitalized after leg injury

Corolla Wildhorse Fund announces arrival of new foal

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September 24, 2020

(CorollaWildhorseFund/photocredit: Catherine Maryott)

Corolla Wild Horse Fund
UPDATE: It’s a girl – Alejandra!
(We will not be disclosing location or the names of the parents just yet. This family needs time to bond in quiet safety. If you are lucky enough to see them please give them plenty of space.)

Corolla Wildhorse Fund made the big announcement on their Facebook page:

We have a new foal! We have been hoping we might get a few fall babies. Not 100% sure of the sex of this little one yet so no name to announce but we couldn’t keep this good news to ourselves for very long. Right after these pics were taken the family went back into the woods. All seem to be in great shape! Visit their website to learn more or to support the horses.

A Musical Fundraiser for the Corolla Wild Horses

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OUTER BANKS THIS WEEK
By Molly Harrison | Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Like most nonprofit organizations, Corolla Wild Horse Fund has had a trying year.

“If I had a nickel for every time I’ve used the word ‘challenging’ to describe this year, the fund would be in great financial shape right now,” Corolla Wild Horse Fund Chief Operating Officer Jo Langone says.

Those challenges are partially related to COVID-19 and the lack of the usual funding sources. Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) raises approximately 85 percent of its budget through donations, special events, memberships, sponsorships, grants and merchandise sales. Every dollar they raise helps their mission of protecting and conserving the Colonial Spanish Mustangs living on the northern Outer Banks.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s two facilities, a museum store in Corolla Village and a rescue farm/rehab facility on the Currituck mainland, have been closed all summer. Both locations are places where the CWHF interacts with the public, forming relationships with new people and generating income through donations and retail sales.

While the fund’s income has been greatly reduced this year, the small CWHF staff has continued to do their jobs, looking out for the 90 or so wild horses on the Currituck Outer Banks as well as the 17 formerly wild rescues at their rehab farm.

“The horses are fine,” Langone says. “But we’re having a hard time connecting with people, and it’s harder to gain new support for the horses.”

To continue to fund their work, CWHF is depending on their donors, supporters and social media followers. They’ve also looked to new fundraising opportunities. This summer they started a Porch Pickup retail operation in which people can buy goods from the Museum Store without coming inside the 100-year-old house that cannot accommodate safe social distancing. Patrons can purchase t-shirts, hats, calendars, books and other items outdoors. Patrons can also purchase Paint a Mustang kits, since that weekly in-person event has also been canceled.

This week CWHF kicked off another unique fundraiser: an original song and video about the Spanish Mustangs of the Outer Banks. The song, video and lyrics are available for download for $5, and all the proceeds go directly to CWHF. Donors can increase their donation as well. In addition to raising funds, the song is a way for the fund to give something memorable to its supporters.

“We have so many wonderful supporters, donors and social media followers,” Langone says. “For this fundraiser, we wanted to give something back, something truly memorable and from our hearts.”

“Castaño” is a catchy, lighthearted song that tells the historical story of the herd and its lineage with a focus on a particular horse named Castaño, a current member of the herd.

Kelly Wilkes, a CWHF volunteer, and Janet Martin, an artist/songwriter from Richmond, wrote the song and donated it to CWHF. Inspired by Castaño, one of her favorite horses in the herd, Wilkes formed an idea for the song and asked her friend Martin for help.

“I contacted Janet with a song idea and just a few lines I had struggled with, and she ran with it, and it turned into more than I could have ever expected,” Wilkes says.

The two worked on the song when they were together on the Outer Banks in early March.

“I spent part of the day walking on the beach, mulling over the history of this place, how free these horses have been for centuries here and what they’ve endured,” Martin says. “I went back to the cottage, picked up my notepad and guitar, and the song pretty much wrote itself.”

A few of the lyrics:

Just a chestnut colt against a sky so blue

Mighty little colt, ain’t nothing he can’t do

The sand and surf know the mystery

of his legacy…

Castaño, you thunderbolt

Castaño, mighty little colt

Castaño, you’re a sight to behold

You’re a legend age old, Castaño

The recorded version “Castaño” features Janet Martin on vocals, guitars and bass; Daniel Clarke, noted pianist for K.D. Lang and Ryan Adams, on piano and organ; and music producer Bruce Olsen on drums/percussion and song engineering/producing. Linwood Bell, known for his work with Graham Nash, Josh Grobin and the Boston Pops, composed and performed the orchestral arrangement.

A 60-second song clip/video preview is available on YouTube, and the full song, video and lyrics can be downloaded through the CWHF website.

The video production of the song features images and videos of the horses in Corolla. It’s a beautiful tribute to the horses and will be loved by anyone who appreciates them.

“This song is for everyone who loves these legendary horses and the Outer Banks,” CWHF Herd Manager Meg Puckett. “It will resonate with this community as well as those who visit here.”

After a tough summer, which has included a few tragic events for the herd, Langone is thrilled with this pleasant offering for her supporters.

“This has been such a pleasure,” Langone says. “It’s nice to have something positive and uplifting to focus on.”

How to Buy the Song

The “Castaño” song, video and lyrics are available on the Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s website as a download for $5. Supporters will be given an opportunity to donate more.