News

LATEST NEWS FROM CWHF

Welcome to the Beach, Ceres!

August 3, 2022/by Corolla Wild Horse Fund

We have a new foal! It’s a filly, and she’s about two days old. Welcome to the beach, Ceres!

Outer Banks wild horse film wins honors at EQUUS arts fest

May 11, 2022/by Kelly Wilkes

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 Kelly Wilkes

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 […]

1 day ago

We have some bright news to share on this gloomy day - after 20 days spent in the hospital, June is home! She still has a ways to go before she gets the all-clear from our vets but she is doing very well, and improving every day.

Earlier posts about June’s rescue and hospitalization:

www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/443719614456460

www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/446395170855571

June has been settling in at the farm and we’ve spent the last few days getting to know each other and getting into a routine. She can’t be in the same paddock with other horses yet, but she’s sharing a fence line with Virginia Dare and Buttercup, and Junior and Riptide are about 20ft away from her so she’s got plenty of friends close by. She’s eating and drinking really well (gobbles up her meds twice a day like a champ!) and while she absolutely refuses to stand inside a stall, she’s got the option to go in and out if she wants to. She likes to be scratched on her face, and can easily be caught, led around, and cared for. She’s still a chestnut mare though, and doesn’t let you forget it - iykyk. 😉❤️‍🔥

She will get her final dose of the pythiosis vaccine this week, and there have been no signs of the infection returning. While there is always a chance that things could go downhill again, at this point there is no reason to think she won’t continue on the right track. (It’s important to note that the vaccine has only been proven effective when administered after infection - it is not a preventative.) The wound on her leg looks fabulous, with lots of healthy new tissue growing every day. She is sound and showing no signs of discomfort.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you again for the support. June’s substantial vet bill is covered because of your generosity - everyone who donated, shared our posts, and wished June well played a large role in saving her life. And not only have we saved June, but hopefully what our vets have learned from her will help save other horses too. So little is known about this awful disease, and other horse owners dealing with it may not have the resources to put into treatment that we do. Vets may not always get the opportunity to follow through from start to finish, but with a case like June’s (and Riptide’s) they are able to learn more and more about the best ways to treat pythiosis. It’s also an incredible teaching opportunity for the NCSU veterinary students.

And speaking of vets and hospital staff, what can we say besides thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are so lucky to have such an amazing team of compassionate, brilliant people working with us. It has been a pretty awful month and a half for our staff and those close to our organization, and your support through June’s recovery and also during the week we were trying to save Ceres is so greatly appreciated. Thank you for the respect and empathy you’ve shown not just the horses, but us humans too.

In case you missed it, we are having an open house at the farm on October 15 from 10am - 2pm. If you are local or happen to be in town that weekend, please stop by and welcome June home! Check out our events page for more info. ... See MoreSee Less

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Wonderful news!! We were visiting and pretty sure we saw her limping one day - I was going to call but one of the horse tours was going by and I heard her radio in about her. Her little harem was funny - the egrets hung out with them and we got fantastic pics of the egrets catching rides on the horses backs.

I fell in love with her at the vet school!! I’m so happy she is home.

Thank you for the update and for all that you do! Chestnut mares…they’ll ask you nicely to scratch their itchy spot, then give you an ears pinned back nip if you’re not doing it right lol ❤️ 🐴

She is a perfect example of the resilience the bankers exhibit. Way to go June!

Will she and Junior remember each other?

Definitely good news! Thank you so very much for all the love & care you provide for these amazing horses 💗

Well done to the amazing vets and care teams! Thank you!

Such wonderful news you guys! Welcome home June and may God stay by your side along with all the others. Bless CWHF for all you do! You are angels.

Her coloring is extraordinary! What a beauty! Welcome back June! You got this! ❤️

Thank you everyone who helps these magnificent animals. God bless you all!💕

This is awesome news! Thank you for saving her.❤️🐴

This is awesome news! Prayer for her everyday

Thank you for sharing this WONDERFUL news!!! ❤️🐴❤️

Such great news. Thank you to all for helping June!!

I’m so glad she got to come home!!! She’s so beautiful, how many hands is she???

Wishing you many happy days on the farm June! You are in safe, loving hands. ❤️

She looks so good! Glad to see her doing well.

So happy to hear she is back at the farm and on the mend!

Wow thanks for this ! Yahoo June !👍 very interesting read.. they sure do put a lot of details in their writing

So glad she’s better! She looks really happy!

Great news!

Such awesome news! Thanks for all you did to save this beauty ❤️

Will she be returned to the wild horses at Corolla or is she at the rescue for the rest of her life?

So wonderful to hear she’s home!

Yay!!! So glad she’s mend! ❤️‍🩹

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 days ago

‼️Attention beach drivers‼️

The drive-through gate at the south fence (that separates the Corolla beaches from the 4x4) is in poor condition and will be replaced next week. But in the meantime, please be careful if you absolutely must use it. Thanks! ... See MoreSee Less

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

6 days ago

Our hearts go out to everyone in Florida tonight.

It’s not too early to start contributing to the recovery efforts. Fleet of Angels is a reputable organization you can trust to put your donation directly into the hands of those who need it the most. They will get hay, veterinary care, transportation, fencing and whatever else is needed to horse owners across the state.

You can donate through their website: www.fleetofangels.org ... See MoreSee Less

This content isn't available right now

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.

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Love this. Move right in and you are family to be saved

Best wishes to ALL the souls in this home.

God bless her and all of them

Of course you would bring your Horse in.. but some peeps I know the barn is built better than the house😉

Prayers for all.

Please tell us how June is doing😔

Hilarie Locke This is what I imagine Joan Martone Sessions house looks like

Pray they are doing ok!!!!

I hope you and everybody at your sanctuary and the horses are safe.

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Peggy DeJohn Priscilla Sullivan

Bless. 🙏💕

Hope and pray her and animals are okay 🙏🙏🙏🙏

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

We have some devastating news to share this morning. Late last night we made the difficult decision to euthanize 6-week-old filly Ceres due to a very severe case of pythiosis. She was in the same harem as June, the mare who is currently at NC State being treated for the same infection.

Ceres was seen by one of our staff on Saturday, September 10 with no visible wounds and was behaving normally. The following Monday, September 12 at around 8am, staff saw her again and a lesion had developed on top of the coronary band of her right front hoof. We immediately contacted our vet, who confirmed that it was most likely pythiosis, and we spent the entire day coordinating between ourselves and the vets at NC State to come up with the best plan of action. Since Ceres was so young, there were additional challenges that we don’t face with adult horses that require extra planning and logistics. We came up with a plan for capturing her and the hospital in Raleigh was prepared to admit her as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, after Monday the horses disappeared and despite hours and hours of exhaustive searching, we were unable to find them. Finally, this Tuesday one of our staff noticed what looked like foal hoofprints going into some very thick brush where there are no roads. She got out and walked as far as she could and was able to see the horses in the distance. Ceres was up and moving around, so we knew she was still alive and able to walk. We couldn’t get to them, but at least we knew what area to focus on. Then yesterday, the group came out of the deep woods and luck was on our side as we were able to get them all trapped under a house. Under the advisement of our vet, our herd manager sedated Ceres and we were able to safely move the adult horses out from under the house and then get Ceres onto the horse trailer and back to the rescue farm. Our vet met us there around 9pm to examine her and do x-rays.

The damage to Ceres’ hoof and the bones in her lower leg was irreparable. The infection had set into the bone and her hoof was sloughing off. She was in a great deal of pain and while on one hand it is always difficult to make the decision to euthanize, in a case like this we knew there was no other choice and that it was the right thing to do - beyond the shadow of a doubt. Ceres was laid to rest late last night next to the mares’ pasture, so that she’ll always have her aunts looking over her.

The rest of the harem is doing fine this morning. Ceres’ mother called for her during the night, but as of right now they have all settled down and are grazing quietly.

In anticipation of questions we will surely get:

Why did it progress so quickly with Ceres, while June is recovering and responding so well to treatment? Ceres was only a little over a month old when she contracted the infection. Her immune system was basically non-existent, just like with babies of any species. Foals are remarkably tough in some ways, but incredibly fragile in others.

Is pythiosis contagious? Could she have passed it on to her mom or the other horses? No. It cannot transfer between horses, or from horses to humans. There is no risk of the horses passing it on to each other, even with direct contact to the lesion.

Why is this happening? Where does the pythiosis come from? How do the horses get it? Pythiosis is a fungus that grows on decaying plant matter in water. When we don’t get solid freezes in the winter, bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens can grow rampantly. Unsettled weather patterns (flooding rain immediately followed by months of excessive heat) exacerbate the problem. It enters into the body through an open cut - something as small as a pinprick could lead to the infection. The horses’ habitat is primarily marshy, swampy, wet terrain. There is no feasible way to test for pythiosis and isolate areas where it is present, and there is no way to remove it from the environment. We are keeping our fingers crossed for a very cold winter.

So what can we do? First and foremost, property owners need to make sure there is nothing in their yards that the horses can get tangled in that causes cuts and abrasions to their lower legs. Wire, sand fencing, ropes, other garbage - please, please clean it up. We are seeing an increase in the amount of poorly constructed, unsafe fencing in the area where June and Ceres lived. The horses get caught up in it, walk through contaminated water, and then end up with the infection. If you want to enclose your property, build a solid fence. High-tensile wire can be a death trap. Help us keep an eye on the horses by looking at bellies and lower legs. If you notice a wound, let us know. We are monitoring horses in affected areas very, very closely and the more eyes, the better.

If you’re wondering why it was so difficult for us to locate the horses once they disappeared, this post will help you better understand their habitat: www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/10160021432653330

There is a lot more that could be said about the disease, management, treatment, and future research, but hopefully that helps answer some common questions. We have an amazing team of vets who have gone above and beyond to support us as we navigate this, and we continue to learn from each and every case. We are grateful for your continued support as well, and appreciate everyone understanding that right now our staff is grieving and heartbroken and may not be able to respond to every comment and question right away but we will do our best.

Media outlets: Photos and information from this post can be shared, credit to CWHF. At this point we have no further comment beyond the information provided in this post.

There are photos of Ceres’ wound in the comments of this post. Please be advised that they are graphic, but it’s important to us that people see the severity of what we are dealing with and also know what to look for in other horses. ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you all so much for the outpouring of support and kind words. 💜

We are so deeply saddened by this. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with you. Thank you for sharing this story, even while managing your own grief.

That is so heartbreaking. So young and fragile. Thank you for not letting her suffer even though the kindest thing to do is always the hardest. Prayers for your staff. 🙏🐴

This is absolutely gut-wrenching news and such a stark reminder of how beautiful yet fragile life is, a lesson these amazing and irreplaceable horses continue to teach us through their lives and even in their deaths. The care, compassion, dedication, and love you all show these horses each and every day, through good times and bad, are reminders of how we really are one another's keepers. As gutted as I feel right now, I can't imagine how you all are feeling especially knowing that you'll continue your invaluable work in the midst of your own sorrow. Please know that I care. My heart and thoughts are with all involved. 😭💔

Thank you for all you do. I know you and your team does not take these decisions lightly.

You all did the right thing. Thank you for looking out for the entire herd. It can be difficult some days but unbelievably rewarding other days. Well done.

Poor baby. I don’t think anyone who knows anything about horses would question your decision. It’s just so hard to see an animal suffer. Praying for peace and comfort for you who care for these beautiful creatures. If our hearts hurt, yours must be painful. Thank you for all you do!

My heart is broken and I know although it was the obvious decision, it still wasn’t as easy one. Thanks to the vet, the CWHF staff and to the volunteers that helped to find Ceres and her harem. Run free and wild Ceres. The ones that went before you will guide and love you.

Heartbreaking, poor baby must have been in such pain. Hoping her momma will not miss her baby too long. Thank you for all your team does! 🙏🏽

So sorry Meg and team. 💙

I am so sorry I know how hard decisions like this can be and how devastating it is to lose just one of the precious animals. My heart goes out to you guys.

Rest easy sweet baby! Thank you Corolla Wild Horse Fund for all you do for these amazing animals. I cannot even begin to imagine the heartbreak y'all feel this morning. 💔

It’s always devastating to make the decision to put an animal down but it had to be done in this case. You guys take the best care & interest in these horses, they should be lucky that there are so many people that love them & their legacy. My hearts go out to you & your staff. Thank you for your post & educating us.

That poor baby and my heart goes out to ya'll who have to make these difficult decisions.

Heartbreaking for all concerned. So thankful you are so dedicated to the welfare of these very special horses. RIP sweet Ceres. ❤️

Healing thoughts for all of you who were involved in that tough decision. And thank you for doing what was in the best interest of that little filly - the hardest side of animal advocacy and rescue.

This is so heartbreaking!! As horses can seem so hardy and deal with so much in the wild, most people don’t realize how fragile they really are. My sympathy to everyone involved and thank you to the CWHF for looking after the horses care and wellbeing.

Thank you for such a detailed note while you are in the midst of grieving thIs loss to the herd. Your commitment, compassion, and expertise is why we are and will continue to be donors to CWHF.

As much as this hurts, she was free and fought longer than most foals. She was free.

Thank you all for your continued commitment to these beautiful unique creatures. Making these decisions must be so difficult so we send prayers of comfort and grace as you all grieve this loss. All of our horses are blessed by your admiration, dedication and respect of their uniqueness. Thank you again for being there for them and for making the best decisions for each of them and the entire herd.

This is heartbreaking! I am in tears. Thank you for the exceptional care you give to these horses.

I can't imagine how devastating this is to everyone involved. We all appreciate your diligence to keep them safe.Rest in peace sweet Ceres ...Prayers for peace and strength 💗

So sad that this happened and you had to make the hard choice to euthanize. But thank you all for the love, compassion and endless efforts for the best outcomes with the entire herd.

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

Just a couple of orange ponies (and one deer) to celebrate the start of fall tomorrow! 🎃🍂 Ironically it’s like 90° outside today but such are the seasons in North Carolina. The horses are already growing their winter coats, though! Their coats grow and shed out based on the hours of daylight, so even though it’s hot today their hair is already getting thicker as the days get shorter. ... See MoreSee Less

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Love the photos. Is that Cosmos? He is having so much fun. Oh to be young again

We where just there last week. Couldn't get to the horses unless to pay for a tour. I donate through buying books and making donations but can't see them unless I pay more to someone else that just makes money off them.☹

I know you all are glad about these shots seeings how this one is no longer with us. The pics are more special now

They are all so beautiful❤️. I love waiting for your posts.

Great photos! Praying for their safety & health! ❤️🙏🏼

Thank you for sharing always love the pictures

These pictures are so pretty. Oct 8, we are coming for 2 weeks. Can’t hardly wait.

A fabulous way to welcome fall!

Look at that beautiful baby! 💕. They are all beautiful and awesome pics! A joy to see! 💕

These are great shots

Oh my gosh! How adorable. Stay safe and healthy little one

Always love seeing the horses and critters of OBX.

Fabulous photos!

Love these pictures ❤️

Great Photos! Thankyou for sharing! ❤

These guys do t know how lucky they are to have you watch over them ❤️❤️

Orange ponies are the best!

Great pictures! Thank you for sharing!

Beauty and strength.

Frisky pony knows cooler air is coming!

They may be on the beach tommorow since it is going to be hot

Look at that baby!!!

Beautiful!💕💕

Welcome Fall 😊🐿🍂🎃

Can you see the horses from the last public access on the south side of 4x4 entrance on hwy 12? Or could you walk from there and see them easily? Or are they only seen further north?

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 weeks ago

Welcome to the world, Cosmos! 💫 🪐✨

This colt was born sometime between Thursday night and early yesterday afternoon. He is big, strong, and healthy, and his experienced parents are doing fine too. It’s not uncommon for there to be a couple fall babies born every year - we still have a few months of warm weather ahead of us and our winters are generally pretty temperate. Nothing to worry about there.

Please remember to give foals and their families plenty of space. Mom and baby need time to bond and recover from birth, and stallions (especially this little one’s dad) can be aggressively protective. The herd faces so many challenges that we do not have control over; please do not harm the horses by breaking the rules that are in place to keep you and them safe.

www.corollawildhorsefund.org ... See MoreSee Less

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Wow he is amazing

Prayers for you to stay healthy & wild young man...

Wow, he is lovely. Love the blaze on his head.

What a handsome fellow! Glad he is super healthy too. I just changed my amazon charitable donation to you all. I hope it helps you all out.

I want to say “he’s so cute!”, but he’s so big it feels more fitting to say he’s so handsome! I love his name!

Cosmos is a very handsome fella! Who are his parents? Prayers for a long, safe, good life, welcome!

His star looks like a seagull feather

Congratulations!! Cosmos looks ready to kick up his heels! ❤️🐴❤️

Congratulations, health and blessings! ❤️

So true about looking after the horses snd keeping distance with the mammy's and baby's. Thank you for sharing this.

Congratulations! He is a beautiful young fellow! Welcome Cosmos, stay healthy, wild and free!!!

Welcome to the world Cosmos! ❤️❤️

He's so beautiful! Prayers for his continued health and care by his parents. Humans, stay away! 🥰

Welcome, Cosmos! Wishing you a long, healthy life of freedom!!❤

Welcome cosmo I just said last Saturday I thought your mom was very pregnant and she was with you welcome to the new world you look like Joaquin

Absolutely beautiful. Prayers for a long and healthy life little guy 🙏🤎🐎

Awe,. He's gorgeous. Bless all who look after the mustang herds.

Welcome baby Cosmos prayers for health and safety 🙏 ❤️

He is so handsome. Love the marking on his face!

He’s going to be one tough hoss when he grows up! Look at those thick front legs and the look on his face is just screaming “I dare you”!! Beautiful!! ❤️

We were blessed to see Cosmos and his parents today. Beautiful colt.

Welcome to the world Cosmos! May you be blessed with a long, healthy, wild and free life!

He is adorable!!! Cosmos, wishing you a wonderful long Life!!!

He is a cutie. Love the color and the newborn coat

I love his name! May he always be safe and healthy!

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

Update on June, the mare we have at NC State right now undergoing treatment for pyhthiosis (you can read about her rescue here: www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/443719614456460).

We've waited until today to post anything because things were touch and go over the weekend, but as of this morning June is doing quite well all things considered. On Friday she developed colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), which the vets immediately began to treat aggressively as it can quickly become fatal. Friday was concerning, Saturday she was a little better, Sunday she went downhill again, but then by yesterday she started showing signs of improvement and the vets are cautiously optimistic as she seems to be trending in the right direction now. This morning she is off IV fluids and nutrition and also off most of the drugs she'd been on for the last couple days. She is bright and alert and got to go outside for some grass, which we know will definitely help improve her appetite and her mood in general.

The wound on her leg is looking quite good. She's had several bandage changes since surgery last Thursday and the vets are very pleased with how well it's healing. So far there haven't been any signs of the pythiosis returning but if it does she will have to go back into surgery to remove it. She is not out of the woods yet, but everyone is encouraged by her progress so far. Things could change at any minute, and there are a ton of secondary issues that could arise, but for right now we are happy to report that June is doing as well as anyone could expect, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that she continues moving in the right direction.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support you've show June. Her vet bill will be substantial but we know that we can count on you to help us make sure June will continue to receive the care she needs in order to survive. We couldn't do this work without you, and there really aren't enough words to express our gratitude. We certainly do not take it for granted.

We'd also like to thank our team of veterinarians for everything they're doing to save June. Not only is this a difficult case medically, but dealing with a semi-feral horse is not SOP for most veterinary hospitals. We are grateful for their willingness to work with us to make sure June is as comfortable as possible ("put some dirt and hay in her water trough to make it look like a puddle" is probably not advice many vets get and are willing take!). She could not be in better hands.

Please continue to keep June in your thoughts, and send her all the good energy you have to spare. She still has a long road to recovery ahead of her.

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

Update on June, the mare we have at NC State right now undergoing treatment for pyhthiosis (you can read about her rescue here: https://www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/posts/443719614456460).

Weve waited until today to post anything because things were touch and go over the weekend, but as of this morning June is doing quite well all things considered. On Friday she developed colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), which the vets immediately began to treat aggressively as it can quickly become fatal. Friday was concerning, Saturday she was a little better, Sunday she went downhill again, but then by yesterday she started showing signs of improvement and the vets are cautiously optimistic as she seems to be trending in the right direction now. This morning she is off IV fluids and nutrition and also off most of the drugs shed been on for the last couple days. She is bright and alert and got to go outside for some grass, which we know will definitely help improve her appetite and her mood in general.

The wound on her leg is looking quite good. Shes had several bandage changes since surgery last Thursday and the vets are very pleased with how well its healing. So far there havent been any signs of the pythiosis returning but if it does she will have to go back into surgery to remove it. She is not out of the woods yet, but everyone is encouraged by her progress so far. Things could change at any minute, and there are a ton of secondary issues that could arise, but for right now we are happy to report that June is doing as well as anyone could expect, and we are keeping our fingers crossed that she continues moving in the right direction.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support youve show June. Her vet bill will be substantial but we know that we can count on you to help us make sure June will continue to receive the care she needs in order to survive. We couldnt do this work without you, and there really arent enough words to express our gratitude. We certainly do not take it for granted.

Wed also like to thank our team of veterinarians for everything theyre doing to save June. Not only is this a difficult case medically, but dealing with a semi-feral horse is not SOP for most veterinary hospitals. We are grateful for their willingness to work with us to make sure June is as comfortable as possible (put some dirt and hay in her water trough to make it look like a puddle is probably not advice many vets get and are willing take!). She could not be in better hands.

Please continue to keep June in your thoughts, and send her all the good energy you have to spare. She still has a long road to recovery ahead of her.

https://www.corollawildhorses.com/one-time-donations/

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Prayers for June and much love and appreciation to all who are caring for her! ❤️

June is a fighter! Keep fighting June, Junior is waiting for you to return home to the farm! Thank you for the update!

Prayers for June and all who work to aid her healing and well-being. You are one of God's angels on earth! Bless all of you. 🙏🏻❤️

I am part of the Chincoteague Vol Fire Co pony committee. Please feel free to contact me to allow me to offer information on the pythiosis vaccine that we administered to our herd. Great success with it.

So glad she is showing signs of getting better. Thanks to all of you that are caring for her.

Continued prayers for June. So much gratitude for all you do for these precious wild horses. Thank you to the vet hospital, June's medical team, everyone with the CWHF, and the community.

Lots of love and prayers for June and everyone involved in her care.

Thank you for the update. Continued positive thoughts and prayers for beautiful June. Truly hoping her recovery continues to trend in the positive direction. ❤️🙏

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Co. deals with Pyhthiosis cases and are using a preventative vaccine. You may want to contact them. Their experiences with this disease may be helpful!

Thank you for your wonderful care of these beautiful animals, and thank you to the Veterinarians caring for them when it is necessary. Sending prayers for June as she continues to improve. 🙏❤️🙏

She is so incredibly beautiful! Thank you for what you are doing. I chucked at "put some dirt and hay in her trough to make it look like a puddle".

She is a gorgeous horse, continued prayers for her recovery!!! So thankful to those who watch over and care for the herd and the farm (I’m kinda jealous 😜). 💜💜💜🐴🐴🐴

Prayers for her wellness to continue in the positive direction and for the medical staff as they care for Beautiful June💕💕

Prayers for June continuing!! And special Prayer to Vets taking Care of her and special Thanks and Gratitude to all the Staff there at the hospital. 🙏🏻❤️❤️‍🩹

Praying for June and a speedy recovery. Thanks to all who are caring for her. Thanks for the updates on this beauty. ❤🤞🐴🙏

She is such a trouper as well as a blonde beauty. Thank you for everything you all are doing for her--and for all the wild horses of Corolla.

She is Beautiful!!!! So very thankful she is better and prayers for a full recovery!!!

Believing for June's total healing! Our Heavenly Father created her, and He cares. Peace to y'all as you watch.

Beautiful! So happy she is showing improvement! My prayer is that this continues!

Thanks for all you do! Continued prayers for healing 🙏❤

Have you all communicated with the Chincoteague VA Fire Department who own the wild Chincoteague Pony herd about the swamp cancer? They have been dealing with it for several years now with some vets who have a lot of experience with it. Maybe discussions can be beneficial to both groups

June is a lucky girl to have you working for her. Prayers. Thanks for the update ❤️

Sending prayers June's way! So thankful for the vets caring for her as she continues to improve ❤🐴🙏

So glad for this good report, hope she continues to improve!

June, you can do this girl!! We're all praying for your recovery.

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

3 weeks ago

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Photo by Cheley Blucher

Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Thank you all so very much. This certainly is a very special photo that I took. I was in the right place at the right time! Very Blessed I am. Never Forget! ❤️🐴🇺🇸🐴🇺🇸❤️

What a beautiful photo on 9/11. Just beautiful. And it is such a loving tribute to those who lost their lives that day.❤️. THANK YOU for sharing!

A beautiful picture on this Sad day. Never Forgotten.🇺🇸🇺🇸♥️

Perfect...says so much about these wild horses and our country. Well done..

Great picture!

Love this so much. ❤️

What a fantastic photo.

Beautiful! Love it!

What a great picture!! Perfect for today. Never forget 🥲

Beautiful! Love this!

Absolutely gorgeous!!!

That's beautiful

Love this!❤️

A beautiful photo. ❤️🇺🇸❤️

As someone who splits time between NYC & NC-Raleigh/OBX , and was in NYC on 9/11/01, I truly appreciate this photo! Thank you for posting.

Majestic and Beautiful

Beautiful!

Wow! What an awesome photo!

Beautiful

Wut a beautiful picture

Breathtaking! Never forget❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸❤️

Love it🇺🇸❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

On Wednesday August 31, we got a call from a visitor that June, a 12 year old mare, had a cut on the bottom of her leg near the top of her hoof. After checking it out, we put out word to everyone to keep an eye on her but it wasn’t an emergency situation at that point. However, by Friday the wound had grown and there were indications of underlying infection. The vet was consulted and we decided to continue monitoring her closely for the next couple days to see how things progressed, but start making plans for rescue and removal just in case. By Monday, the wound had grown even more and began to look like what we had been afraid of - pythiosis.

On Wednesday of this week, we successfully captured June and took her to our rescue farm on the mainland. Our vet came over that evening to examine her and take x-rays, and then consulted with specialists at NC State University who told us to get her to the hospital in Raleigh the next day. We arrived in Raleigh around 1pm yesterday, and the veterinary team there was waiting for us so they could take June into surgery immediately. Yesterday’s procedure was successful; they were able to remove the lesion and begin treatment for pythiosis. June recovered well and as of late yesterday evening was comfortable in a stall eating hay. She’ll have a bandage change today and we’ll get another update on how things look. She is still in critical condition and has a long road ahead of her, but yesterday was promising. June will likely be in the hospital for several more weeks and will need multiple surgeries to remove infected tissue. We are hoping that between getting her quickly removed for treatment, the fact that the hoof and bone don’t seem to be compromised yet, and the excellent care she is receiving at NC State she has a chance at survival. But we are very much taking things a day at a time and know from past experience that even with the best, most intensive treatment possible things could go downhill very quickly.

In the wild June was part of a harem that many people affectionately referred to as “the blondes.” She spent most of her adult life with Junior, and after we had to rescue Junior last summer when he choked on an apple, she and the other mare in the group, Anne Bonny, ended up with Scar’s harem. June's sire was Roamer, and we are pretty sure her dam is Blossom, who is still alive and well in the wild. Through all of this, June has been a shining example of what makes the Banker horses so special. She’s been so smart and sensible about everything, taking it all in stride and adapting to her new circumstances with a grace we certainly don’t take for granted coming from a sick, scared wild horse. We didn’t have much time to slowly introduce her to domestic life, but after only about 45 minutes of practicing leading and being touched, we were able to walk her right onto the trailer yesterday morning. When we got to the hospital, she unloaded calmly and walked in like she’d been doing it all her life. The vets remarked that most domestic horses aren’t that well-behaved when coming into a scary place like the hospital. She is a very special mare.

We appreciate any support you can offer June, whether it’s financial, sharing this post, or simply keeping her in your thoughts. If you donate via the button on this post, 100% of your contribution comes directly to CWHF with no fees taken out. You can also donate through our website - www.corollawildhorses.com/one-time-donations/ Any donations received that exceed the cost of medical care for June will go towards the general care and wellness of the horses on the rescue farm.

Thank you for helping us give June the best chance possible at recovery. We will continue to update everyone on her condition and appreciate your support through this very difficult time. ... See MoreSee Less

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Oh, me. Sad to read this, friends, but as always, grateful for your care and stewardship of these horses. We know what a mammoth effort a rescue of this nature is, the logistics, the support, the cost, and we applaud the way you respond so quickly and efficiently, and make it appear so seamless and effortless, and just standard operating procedure, when of course, we know, it’s anything but. And lastly, thank you for sharing June’s story and drawing attention to what incredible, versatile, adaptable, resilient creatures these Banker horses are. It’s why we all are drawn to them and do what we do. Prayers and love, for June and all of you.

I think some horses (or animals in general) just know when they're being helped ❤

Such an amazing update as I was reading my mind was wondering to how these horses embrace being rescued and treatment thank you so much for the explanation I so enjoyed reading this update. My prayers are with June her medical staff and all who are working so hard to save and serve these most beautiful of Gods creatures. One day one day I will see this in person. Love to all!!

So happy I saw her wound when I was down and able to reach out to let them know about her issue. Prayers for her and fast healing.

Prayers for June and all of you. Thank you for taking such good care of all the Corolla horses. ❤️🐴

I work at Ncsu cvm. She is footsteps away from where I sit at my desk every day at work. I will be wishing June well from very close by. I support you guys and try to come visit as often as I can.

So glad to hear she is doing so well, always glad to donate 🐴 All girls named June 😉have to stick together

NC State Vet hospital staff are awesome!!! They did a cornea transplant on our mare and saved her eye sight after two abscesses occurred

Animals are so smart. They instinctively know when they are in loving caring hands.

Thank you for updating us and for all of your work caring for these horses both in the wild and when they need to be rescued. Such an amazing staff of people for these special horses.

Such a pretty baby, and yes we were with Gator when the news came in that they were taking her off the island. Glad to here she did OK during surgery, prayers for her recovery. Thank you for the folks who protect these beautiful horses.

Amazing how she's cooperated! Hope and pray June will fully recover!

So glad she is doing better! Make sure and quarantine her for 30 days when you bring her back. One of mine came back from a university vet hospital and even with a 3week quarantine gave a terrible cold to all my other horses! Hope she continues with a wonderful recovery!🐴❤

So sad but so happy she is recovering. God bless everyone involved with caring for her, whether it be money prayers etc. Thank you

Once she recovers, she cannot bet put back out with the other horses, can she? So Junior and she can be back together.

Praying that June will recover and will be alright. She’s absolutely beautiful. Will miss seeing her on the beach but as long as we know she’s is safe. Thank you so much for everyone that is helping her. ❤️🐴❤️🐴🙏🏻🐴

My husband and I got to return to our home state in July and we made the trip to Corolla to see these amazing horses. I made a donation and will keep June and her caregivers at NCSU vet school in my prayers.

She is gorgeous. Prayers for a speedy recovery for such a special girl. Thank you for all you do for these beautiful souls. ❤️

I hope June recovers quickly. And bless you all for the work you do for the wild horses. I can’t imagine how you’re able to see and watch the wild horses when they can be in the marshes or behind the dunes, but I’m so glad that you can. I can’t imagine how many wild horses would be lost if you couldn’t do the job that you do. Prayers for June 🙏🏼

She’s beautiful. Keeping her in my heart & hoping her recovery goes smoothly. ❤️🙏

Thank you for all that you do for these beautiful horses !! God Bless you all and Prayers for June🙏✝️🙏✝️

She was one of my special girls. Scar’s family is always around our house. I’m glad she’s getting the care she needed and hopefully her and Junior can reunite on the farm.

Thank you for the story of June and the beautiful photos of some of my favorite bankers❤

She’s beautiful 😍😍 I hope recovers well 💜

Horse people have a wonderful resource in the NCSU Vet School. Have had to take horses (and dogs) there in the past and they are always on top of things very quickly. Happy she was so cooperative and adjusted quickly!

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

We are late doing a “Happy Labor Day!” post because, well, we’ve all been working. Horses don’t care about holidays. 😂 But we’d like to take this opportunity to recognize and say a big thank you to our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep the horses safe and cared for. It is certainly a labor of love. Today marks the end of the high season for us and everyone deserves a giant pat on the back for making it through the summer! Well done, team. 🐎💕 ... See MoreSee Less

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Amen!

This black stallion is magnificent! One of my favorites!! Thank you Corolla Wild Horse Fund for all you do to keep them all wild & free the way they have been for 100’s of years.

I thank all of you for your hard work everyday protecting our wild beauties!

Beautiful Wild and Free! A huge thanks to each of you for your endless work, support, and dedication to keep them this way!! ❤

Thank you for the caring and dedication to these deserving beautiful horses. Hats off to all the team. ❤️❤️❤️ 🐴 🏆

Your hard work & dedication are impressive, respected and greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Thank you for all you do to keep us informed and the horses safe and healthy. 💗

Wonderful that you have so many devoted folks to help with the horses. Thanks to all of you for taking care of a beautiful resorse.

Can’t thank you all enough for your hard work and devotion to these special horses. ❤️

I appreciate your posts! I have learned so much this past year about your group and these horses. I have lived in NC my entire life but never knew the history of the “wild horses.” Thank you for all you do.

Congratulations on a job well done!! 🐴❤️

Congratulations 🍾 and many thanks and much love to you all!! Please consider publishing names and photo book… I think it will be a best seller!

Your hard work is greatly appreciated. Thank you for all you do! Hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy a little bit of this final weekend.

Thank you for working so hard to keep this beautiful herd safe! They are an OBX treasure!!

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to keep these beautiful horses safe. There are no words to express how respected you are. Thank you again ❤️❤️

Thank you for spending your summer caring for a national treasure☀️⛱🌊👍🏻

You all have done an incredible job keeping the herd safe! I thank all of you for all your hard work! You’re the best! ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for watching over our treasured horses another year. Magnificent job. Bless you all.

Absolutely beautiful horse!! thank you for your hard work with the horses and taking such wonderful care of them

Happy Labor Day. You all work so hard to keep these beautiful horses wild❤️

What an amazing team!!! Thanks for ALL that you do!

Glad you made it through the summer tourists! Thanks for your wonderful, caring work for all the horses!

Thank you for keeping them safe and cared for! That one is a beauty!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻thank you for taking care of them so we all can enjoy😍❤️

I have loved these Beautiful horses since my parents use to bring me down when I was little. Now my Grandkids Love them💕Thank you for all your tireless work to keep these Gorgeous Horses Wild and Free for Generations to come❤️❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

4 weeks ago

That feeling when you’re in a somewhat compromised position, halfway inside a 150 gallon trough trying to scrub it, and suddenly sense you are not alone. 🦈 Thanks for the “help,” Brio. Hope it passes inspection. 🤣 ... See MoreSee Less

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“Excuse me….we’ve been trying to contact you about your vehicle’s extended warranty…”

He’s always willing to lend a helping hoof! Sweet guy!! 🤣❤️

There is such great satisfaction in a clean, fresh water trough. Glad your supervisor is hands on!!!

Lol. Love it!! Once my Tawney 13 hand beautiful mare tipped me into the troth. Tell me they’re not smart!! Brio was curious. 😂

Love it! Hope it passed inspection 🧐

Good job Brio!❤️

What a great supervisor!

Brio wants to see what’s going on here. 👀

“Um, excuse me but you missed a spot. I see it! I see it right there!” 🤣🐎❤️

What a great helper!

Brio asks, did you get it all? Love him! 💕💕💕💕

You rock! Seems you do it all ❤️

Brio was supervising 🤣🤣

Miss that Brio. He is very special.

What a shot! ❤️

I just love this!! <3

Love this miracle baby🙏🌈

I thought this was a camel head at first glance! 🤣🤭🤷🏻‍♀️

That is priceless....

I have been in that position

Love this!!!

Love this ❤️

Love it! ❤️

Awww, our favorite, Brio!

Love this

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

It’s time for the obligatory holiday weekend post! Please do not harm, harass, or otherwise bother the wild horses. Pretty simple, huh?

Seriously though, please celebrate safely and responsibly by staying 50ft away from the horses at all times. Feeding, approaching, and touching them is illegal. Do not drink and drive, and obey the speed limit and rules of the road - yes they do still exist, even if the roads are sand.

Please call 252-453-3633 to report infractions or dangerous behavior. ... See MoreSee Less

$It’s time for the obligatory holiday weekend post! Please do not harm, harass, or otherwise bother the wild horses. Pretty simple, huh? Seriously though, please celebrate safely and responsibly by staying 50ft away from the horses at all times. Feeding, approaching, and touching them is illegal. Do not drink and drive, and obey the speed limit and rules of the road - yes they do still exist, even if the roads are sand. Please call 252-453-3633 to report infractions or dangerous behavior.$

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Sad that it has to be REPEATED so often!! 😩

Thank you for all you do to protect these magnificent animals.

Wishing a peaceful and safe holiday weekend for everyone, especially the horses.

Have a safe and uneventful holiday weekend…🌻

Happy Labor Day, please drive carefully , be aware of the Wild horses, and there babies.

Hoping it’s a quiet weekend for the CWHF crew. Happy Labor Day!!

I hope that this weekend goes smoothly for the horses and you .

Happy end of summer celebration. Protect the wild horses!!! Watch from a distance!!!

Behave. Remember, judges will not be back to work until Tuesday. So there’s that.😏

Thank you for sharing this! Everyone enjoy but be respectful

They are wild and beautiful!

Have a safe holiday

If only people would just behave as requested...

Here's hoping and praying for their safety.

Beauty and the Beach!

Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Beautiful

Beautiful! ❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

The last Mustang Morning of the season is tomorrow! Hard to believe summer is coming to a close. Hope to see you there - 10am - 2pm. Click on the link below for more info.

(Yes we plan on adding a few Saturday open houses through the fall, no we don’t have the dates set yet. But we will post ASAP. Gotta officially get through summer first. 🤪😉) ... See MoreSee Less

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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.

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Loved our visit this summer! Thanks so much for all you do!

I'll be watching for the dates. Hoping one will be the first week of October.

YES PLEASE!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, the week of September 17-24!!!! PLEASE!?!?!?!?

Praying we can get down there but it looks like next year. Frankie is waiting on ok for L-VAD.

oh no, so there is no visiting times after this?

I'm here to share my own view to the Universe about how jude helped to bring back my Lovelife with his possessions, my Lovelife neglected and broke up with me for the past 3 months. I can't say much because I really don't know how to express myself right now for I'm over whelmed but I really want to appreciate him for his awesome Work. Thank you so much. Anyone seeing this and want help can get in touch on his Facebook page 👇👇👇 www.facebook.com/Dr-Okhueleigbo-love-spell-caster-107346655324959/

Do you have any updates on Gus and Taka?

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

Stallions fight for mares and territory, and these two have been going at it all day. One of them is a couple miles away from his normal range, and the other is defending his large harem of mares. This is a serious fight, but it is a normal, healthy, and important part of wild horse behavior. It's how the healthiest, strongest genetics prevail. And in this case, if the intruding stallion wins it will likely introduce genetic diversity to his new territory. Fights like these can go on for days at a time.

Did you know that a horse's kick can deliver more than 2,000 pounds of force? If you listen to this video you can hear the impact of their hooves. Being kicked by a horse hurts no matter what, but if you were on the receiving end of one of these kicks you would at the least suffer broken bones, and at the worst you'd be killed. This is why it's so important to pay attention to your surroundings, always give the horses plenty of space, and have somewhere safe you can quickly access (a vehicle, deck, etc) should a horse come near you. You never know what may come running over the dunes at any given second.

Talk about horse power! Please give them the respect they deserve.

www.corollawildhorses.org ... See MoreSee Less

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I can't help but also notice all of those very full garbage cans in the background. I hope that's not something the horses can get into.

I know it’s nature, but that’s hard to watch.

You do such a fabulous job of helping everyone understand the lives of these horses, and our responsibility to not interact or interfere with them, even though we may want to.

Where are the mares while these two battle? I know it is nature & natural behavior, but it scares me, don’t want either to get hurt! But boys will be boys!!! Corolla Wild Horse Fund thank you for ALL that you do for these beautiful horses & keeping us posted!

I once saw a video of a mare kick a stallion who was trying to mount her. She caught him just right in the head and he dropped dead instantly.

I know it’s nature’s way but I just can’t watch. 🙄🥹

Which one is the invader? I too have been kicked by a domestic horse by accident. I would not get anywhere near these two

That could have gone worse - but that is an epic display of the power of horses and why the wilds need to be given their space - it is not a show - it is their way of life and it needs to be respected BUT really WOW!!!!

I went to turn horses out after a long hard winter the one gelding was so excited as I took his halter off he spun and kicked out getting me he broke all my ribs and ruptured my spleen I almost died and this was an accident after that I put them out pulled them towards gate pulled gate making a barrier between us then turned loose

Wow I get it but dont want either to get hurt.

A true show of horsepower, and I loved the ending with the way he declared victory over the interloper.

They are so majestic, I love watching them in action. Please let us know the outcome. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Yes, nature can be cruel and this is distressing to watch. I’m so glad neither was seriously hurt but wondering if this is typical in that one always backs off before serious injury? Thank you.

He won, "King of the Mountain"!!

They are magnificent!😳 Thank you Corolla Wild Horse Fund for continuing to educate us and for taking care of these wild, awe inspiring and truly magical creatures. What an amazing gift you share with us!💖💖💖

The day I took the pic of Rocky (in the July 2020 calendar) he was doing the exact same thing - challenging another stallion for his mares. The guide said they'd been fighting for days.

Both are very handsome and healthy guys.

I could not live around that. Toooooo stressful

They’ve been going at it for a few days now. They were at our rental many times last week!!!

That is so sad. I understand it, but hard to watch.😢

They are both beautiful stallions. I have seen some them fight in person and their power is amazing and intense. 💗

Gorgeous! I hate to see either get hurt but what an awesome display of nature at work.

I've been kicked by a horse, but not one with this kind of strength. There seemed to be a clear winner in this stand off.

It’s just nature & wild horses being themselves. My 16 hand Tennessee Walker broke my tibia. Totally my fault. I was watering him down & pissed him off. Got to always be on guard.

Their power and determination are so amazing

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

Can’t let #NationalDogDay pass by without a special shout out to our pups! This work can be isolating and emotional, with long hours spent in the field, at the farm, and on the road. Our dogs are always there for us when we need a hug, a good laugh (or a good cry), or just a warm body next to us in the cab of the truck. They keep us sane, keep us company, and keep us living in the moment. They are an important part of the CWHF team! 💜🐶🎾🦴

(Give our friends and colleagues at Currituck Animal Shelter a follow today - we love our pound puppies!) ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you for all you do. We did the Wild Horse Tour in July and visited the Rehab Farm. The horses were beautiful and everyone at the farm was so kind and welcoming. Prayers for your continued work and safety of the horses. ❤️🙏🏼

They are lucky pets! Know they are loved and loving

Such cuties ! Thank you for sharing them with us ! I bet the horses on the mainland must love their companionship as much as y’all ! ❤️

Thankful to have met Lucille at the farm this week. Sure was a sweet baby!

Lucille!!!! Gunner and Sarge!!!! You pups rock!!

❤️❤️❤️ 🫶 For your dedication and love for the animals in your care. 🙏🏼 ❤️

They’re all beautiful. We’re blessed to have our furry friends.

They are gorgeous!! Love labs

Gorgeous animals!

I love this!!! Thanks for the pictures.

Love all the pictures

Is there a national horse day ?

Adorable!! Faith Forte ...

What are their names?

Fantastic!

❤️❤️🐾🐾

❤️❤️❤️❤️

They are beautiful

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

1 month ago

“What do they eat?”

This afternoon we got video of a great example of one of the many ways the wild horses forage for food - underwater! These two are grazing on aquatic plants that grow in the canals. They will also do this in natural bodies of water like the marshes and sound. Much of this vegetation is actually invasive; it chokes out native plants that provide important food and shelter for wildlife and also keep the water clean and filtrated. This vegetation provides year-round forage, and the horses do play a small role in keeping the invasive species under control. It’s a win-win! 🌱🌾🌿

CWHF dedicates significant time and resources to habitat preservation. By working to ensure the environment stays healthy we are not just protecting the horses, but all of the plants and animals that call the northern beaches home. Your support is what allows us to continue expanding this work. Learn more: www.corollawildhorses.org/support-corolla-wild-horse-fund/ ... See MoreSee Less

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In the hot sun of Texas summer my horse lays down in his pond while eating the water weeds🙄😂

I learn so much and so many interesting things about theses horses! I just love your writing and information! Thank you!!

We saw this 2 years ago in our back door canal and couldn’t figure out what they possibly could be eating. Fascinating to watch and learn💕💕

Thanks for sharing! I Love horses and love to watch them in the wild

Thank you for sharing the info regarding the horses. I grew up in ND around horses, and did not know about how they slept or now about them eating the plants.

Eating and cooling off all at the same time. Very Cool!

Fascinating! I never knew they did this!

So interesting. Thank you for the education and heart warming video.

Our wild herd loves our river grass! #SaltRiverWildMustangs

Thank you for sharing!!! Always love to learn about the horses!!

I never heard of horses foraging for food in water. Thank you for the information. Lovely to see them having a nice day!

Very interesting. I love seeing these wild horses. They are so beautiful.

I was going to ask if they ever suffer from sand colic?

Eating while keeping cool...love it

How did I not realize they wouldn’t just be drinking but eating vegetation in the water. 🤦🏼‍♀️ Love when I can learn something new.

How long will they stand in the water grazing like that?

I did not know this. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Aimee Galtes

There is a video of the Salt Creek ( or is it River?), mustangs grazing on eel grass and putting their whole heads under the water to graze on it out there. I never knew horses would do that.

Incredibly interesting and educational! Thank you! Is this on your website? I’d love to share this with those (not on FB) as we have a tour scheduled in October!

Wondering how the salty water doesn’t make them sick???

Curious. Is that fresh or salt water? I would assume fresh but enquiring minds wanna know.

It would be great if the Eurasian milfoil was to their liking and nutritious for them...

Saw this myself , it was amazing watching them.

Kinda like moose! 😉

That was my amazing nature moment. Thank you❤️

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 months ago

We've gotten quite a few calls lately about "dead" horses that are actually just asleep, so we thought a post about how horses rest would be appropriate. But let us preface this by saying - if you are concerned, call! Always better safe than sorry, and we are always happy to go check things out to make sure everyone is safe and healthy.

Horses spend around 5-7 hours a day sleeping, but there are different types and stages of sleep and they all look different. Yes, horses can sleep standing up but in order to achieve deep REM sleep they must be laying down on their side. Horses need at least 30 minutes of this kind of sleep per day to stay healthy. Often you'll see one or two horses laying down while the rest of the group stands around keeping watch. This is totally normal! Even though the Corolla horses don't face threats from natural predators, that instinct to protect each other is still deeply ingrained in them.

When horses doze while standing up, they will often rest one of their back legs by shifting weight off their hip and onto the opposite leg. The resting leg will be propped up with the toe of the hoof pointing down, and this sometimes gets mistaken for an injury or even a broken leg. Horses have what's called a stay apparatus, which is a group of tendons and ligaments that lock and allow them to sleep standing up with little muscular effort. For a prey animal this really comes in handy - they can awaken and take off in a split second if threatened.

Just like babies of any species, foals lay down and sleep more often and for longer periods of time than their adult counterparts. This sleep is critical for growth and development so it's incredibly important not to disturb them or stress their family out while they are resting. Lack of sleep can cause all kinds of health problems for horses of any age, so if you see one of them resting remember how critical those 30 minutes are to the horses’ overall well-being.

If you come across a horse that's laying down, watch for a few minutes to see if they are breathing normally. You may notice an ear twitch, nostrils flaring, or their tail swishing. Most do not lay in this position for more than a few minutes at a time, so if you wait just a bit you are likely to see them sit up, stand up, and then be on their way. If other horses are standing quietly around that is also a good indication that nothing is remiss.

But again, do not hesitate to call if you are concerned. We would much rather go check something out and have it end up being a non-issue than not get a call about a horse that is in real distress! During regular business hours, we can be reached at 252-453-8002. After hours you can call 252-453-3633 and county dispatch will get in touch with us. Please do not rely on Facebook messenger in the case of a true emergency - we don't often see the messages in time, but we will get a phone call right away. Thanks for helping us keep the horses safe! ... See MoreSee Less

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This post made me giggle! These horses are terrorizing people with their naps! Excellent post with great information.

Thank you, I appreciate very much your willingness to take the time to explain situations that concern your visitors, even when they are everyday occurrences to you. And you do it in such an easily understandable way, complete with pictures! Also a special thanks for not minding the calls of concern, encouraging them even. It takes everyone to help protect these beauties and it’s so comforting to know we, meaning me, are part of your circle of “eyes”. I love CWHF and how you are.

A farm around the corner from me in NW GA has a horse that loves to nap in the field by the road - prompting the owner to post signs that say “Horse is not dead - he’s sleeping!” to stop all of the concerned passersby from knocking on their door!

Horses do look dead when asleep laying down, especially when their mouth is a little open and eye half open. Hahaha.

🤣 A struggle for all us horse owners! “Yes that’s my horse, no he’s not dead! The all horses sleep standing up is a lie!” 😂

Since horses sleep where they feel safe, I’d be honored if they felt my area was safe enough for them or their foals to sleep in safety

Thank you for this very valuable information. Definitely educational. I had no idea about any of their sleeping habits. Also, thank you for the hard work, dedication and educating the public!!

A farm in Greene county Virginia had several older horses and got so many calls about dead horses in the pasture the county made them a sign that said Horses are sleeping not dead Do not call 911.

I get calls on my gelding Leroy Brown all the time.😂 If they were close they could hear him snoring. I do appreciate how much my neighbors care about him.

Thank you as always for your care and excellent information! So good to know these things!!

Wow you learn something new everyday!! They are such beautiful animals.

Oh yeah, no matter how many thousands of times I’ve walked out to my pasture and was sure I have a dead horse. Years of experience and I still miss a heartbeat or two!😉

Death naps always make you skip a step. 😝

Very good post ! Explained everything so everyone can understand who do not own horses . 👍👍❤️❤️🐎🐎🐎🐎

Thanks so much for sharing this information. So many people don't know any of their habits and would think they were in trouble. Education is the best tool for keeping them healthy and safe!

Thanks for this. The first time we went over I saw a baby lying down and 3 or 4 other horses standing around. I was so worried about the baby that I made my husband park for about 10 minutes before it got up and everybody went on their way. I was so happy to see it!

In my 30 years of horses, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve run down to the pasture when a horse has been zonked “too long” thinking they’d passed.

My horses do this often. I have had people stop and ring my doorbell to tell me I have a dead horse in my paddock. I am happy that they feel safe enough to sleep/sunbathe!💙

Very good information! I i will pass it on thanks

I would get so many people stopping to say "ma'am I think your horse is dead". Because of course they would sleep at the roadside part of our pasture🤣

Very informative I'm a horse girl so knew all this But so important to educate the people very well written

Who would have known? I have friends with horses and yet somehow this has escaped me. Thank you so much for sharing this information. I would have panicked (especially the horse along side the road). Boy, he must have been tired and ready to snooze. Lol

Thanks so much for always educating us.. thanks for taking such good care of these horses.

When I had horses years ago the neighbors would call me wondering if I had a dead horse in the pasture...I'd tell them, yeah- dead sound asleep! If only I could sleep that soundly, lol! 😂👍🐴🥰🥰🥰

My dad was a firefighter, and he always said he’d rather go to a thousand false alarms than miss even one real emergency…. I’m glad you’re of the same thought 😊.

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 months ago

The Secret of Corolla won Best Documentary Short and Best Musical Score at the Equus International Film Festival! 🤩 Download this award-winning film now if you haven’t already! Link below 👇🏻 ... See MoreSee Less

The Secret Of Corolla

www.thesecretofcorolla.com

Official Website for The Secret Of Corolla The Movie

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I'm thrilled to see Jerry Thompson's film receiving these much deserved honors. The documentary is a must watch for all who want to know more about these magnificent, irreplaceable horses. The images, videography, narration, and music are absolutely stunning.💞🌊

What a thrill to baha the Outer Banks with family and watch these beautiful wild creatures. People who own property watch over these exquisite animals.

Fabulous news!! Congrats to all who worked hard to make this video happen.

I bought the dvd. The movie is fascinating I’m from that area and some of the information was new to me. I love the bankers ❤️

It deserves the award -- absolutely wonderful!!

I purchased and downloaded the film this morning. The link is in the receipt, it's just not quite clear as to where you should click to link it. That, and it did take about 7 minutes for it to get fully downloaded to my computer. But, wow!!! Absolutely worth the small amount of money and the time. I don't know when I've seen a more beautifully done piece. Our family has been coming to the Outer Banks since the '70's. As soon as the northern part of the banks started to get a road, developed, and let folks in to visit, we were there waiting to be let in. We were so very fortunate to have been vacationing there when the horses roamed the area freely. We had many, many experiences of seeing them about town and in the developments we stayed in. Favorite memories were of two horses teaming to get the lids off of trash cans, and the specular sight of 4 horses clomping down the access stairs to the beach where we were sitting and then taking off running down the shore. To say it was breath-taking is an understatement. A few of our grandchildren were small during those times and some not born yet, but we occasionally go on the horse tours so that they can experience the wonder themselves. Great congratulations to all who put this together. So beautifully done!! I experienced a wide range of emotions and learned so very much. Thank you so much!

Thank you allowing the Breyerfest model horse convention to access this film last month! I watched it twice and loved it!

I paid $15 for this download that I never was able to access. Never again! I emailed them with no reply

Bought & LOVE the DVD!!

I’m going to download it.

Well worth an award! 👏 👏 👏 👏

Awesome!!!! Congratulations!!

Congratulations!!!

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Cathy Pasquarella Lunde!

Rebecca Rasnake

Annie Whitney

I also didn’t receive the link. I’ll call in tomorrow but there is obviously an issue.

Congratulations !

Awesome!

Kerilyn Ap

Congratulations!

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 months ago

In case you missed it last week, here’s a link to the episode of America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston 2022 that features a segment on the horses. The series examines how outdoor spaces shape the way we live, work, and play, and how our cultural history is woven into the landscapes of this country. Baratunde and his team spent a day with us last summer as we collected tissue samples for DNA analysis, and we talked about why the work we’re doing is so important, not just for breed preservation but for historical preservation too.

The wild horses of North Carolina are a cultural treasure. Their story - the legends, the facts, and the gray area in between - is the story of the Outer Banks and the people who love this place. For more than 500 years they have been as much a part of our landscape as the sand dunes and the sea oats. They have lived among us for more generations than you can count on all your fingers and toes. What is Corolla (or Ocracoke or Shackleford) without the Banker ponies? And what are the Banker ponies without their beach home? These wild horses don’t belong to any of us, and yet at the same time they belong to all of us. The work CWHF is doing is important for so many reasons, all just as critical as (and connected to) the rest. As we collect DNA and work on breed conservation, study habitat use and work to preserve the land, and responsibly manage the population, we are also working to keep the herd accessible. People deserve the chance to come here and see these horses living wild and free in the same place they’ve been for centuries. It is our history and it should be accessible to everyone. And this is why education and advocacy is so important. It’s up to all of us who are lucky enough to set foot on these beaches to do our part to protect the herds. We owe it to the horses, ourselves, all those who came before us, and future generations.

Protect what you love. 🐎🌊 (And watch the rest of this series - it is outstanding!)

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America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston | Tidewater: Homecoming | Episode 5 | PBS

www.pbs.org

On the North Carolina coast, Baratunde discovers how history shapes the outdoors.

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It was a great episode! Learned so much about the other parts of the shore line and how it's disappearing. So happy to have you and all your volunteers looking out for the heard.

I watched this on my local PBS station last weekend. It's always fun to see familiar landmarks on television.

Great show, really enjoyed it!

Thank you for covering tidewater

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

This was so good!

Watvhed it last night. Entire episode was very good.

This was great!!💞🌊

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Corolla Wild Horse Fund

2 months ago

Well said, OII! Thanks for posting.Many people have asked in the past few months “Why are people driving on the beach?”

Beach driving has been a pastime on the Outer Banks since before there were asphalt roads in place, it was the way to get from one place to another in days gone past. As the years went on it became a recreation for many who wanted to fish, pull their nets, or just enjoy a day on the beach. Though you can’t drive on the beach in several towns along the Outer Banks you can enjoy this pastime year-round in the area north of Corolla on the Currituck Outer Banks (you do not need a permit to just drive in the area however you do need a beach parking permit from Currituck Co if you choose to stop and enjoy the day from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day and they are limiting per week how many permits are available), and on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore (the 1st National Seashore established in 1937) year-round with an ORV permit though there are restrictions within the villages on Hatteras Island during the summer months, and to night driving during turtle nesting season and there are closures to areas during turtle nesting & bird nesting seasons. The Towns of Kill Devil Hills & Nags Head allow beach driving from October 1st to April 30th with a beach driving permit.

This is a way of recreational life here on the Outer Banks. Many come to the Outer Banks for this very access to our beautiful beaches. This area is one of the sought-after fishing areas on the East Coast. People can enjoy the day without lugging all of the fishing equipment & beach belongings over a beach access walkway and sometimes it is less crowded than the other beaches that don’t allow beach driving, especially in the summer months. It is also a way for those with disabilities to enjoy a day at the beach without having to find a way to get over a walkway at beach accesses within the towns, some of the towns offer beach wheelchairs to those in need however you would need to check the availability with each town, and a few rental businesses have them for rent. In the 4wd beach area where the asphalt ends north of Corolla the beach is the road to access the homes that are in that area, there is no way to get to these houses without driving on the beach.

If beach driving isn’t your cup of tea, that’s absolutely okay however many of us enjoy this recreational activity and have for a long time. Please come visit our area and enjoy the beauty. If you are headed out to drive on the beach, please air down before you drive out at any access, know your vehicle clearance, especially in AWD vehicles as it can be an issue depending on the make & model of your vehicle and if you know how to maneuver a vehicle in the sand properly, clean up your trash before you leave any beach, the beach is not your personal ashtray so please dispose of those properly. Be respectful, stay off the dunes, don’t mess with the wild horses (Currituck Co. Ordinance states to stay 50ft away from the Corolla Wild Horses), and please take all of your beach belongings with you every day as you leave the beach no matter which beach you happen to be relaxing on (most areas now have ordinances against leaving things on the beach overnight and will remove said belongings after a certain time in the evening hours, please check with each town to find out more information), pay attention to the lifeguards and please do not set your belongings in the areas that need to be kept clear for them to do their lifeguard duties and help others when you can.

I am including several links for anyone that needs more information.

www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10208887168881203&set=gm.10153938091584904
www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/249978
www.nagsheadnc.gov/173/Beach-Driving
www.kdhnc.com/DocumentCenter/View/12610/Beach-Driving-Instructions-20202021
currituckcountync.gov/beach-parking/
www.corollawildhorses.com/currituck-county-ordinances/
www.outerbanks.org/plan-your-trip/beaches/handicap-accessibility/
www.ncbba.org/
www.obpa.org/
www.outerbanks.org/plan-your-trip/beaches/driving-on-the-beach/ ... See MoreSee Less

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