No visit to North Carolina is complete without seeing the wild horses on the Outer Banks.
North Carolina is filled with so much history, natural beauty, and endless variety it is natural it should be home to the Outer Banks. This unique land mass is known worldwide for its beautiful, expansive beaches and the home of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.
But what many don’t know is that you can also observe Wild Spanish Mustangs (technically feral Banker horses) roaming freely on thousands of acres of public and private land in the Currituck Banks section of the Outer Banks. These horses have survived on their own for almost five centuries.
Their history remains a mystery and, as with most legends, one can only speculate on how they arrived on North American shores.
As early as the 1500s, Spanish ship’s logs record horses and other livestock being pushed overboard to lighten the load of grounded ships. Some believe that these amazing creatures actually swam ashore when ships sank off the North Carolina coast or when ships were in distress. It is also speculated that failed colonists abandoned the horses they originally brought across with them when they inevitably returned to Europe.
So where exactly can you find these Wild Spanish Mustangs?
Start with the Corolla Wild Horses Fund
There is a non-profit organization called the Corolla Wild Horses Fund who manage, protect and care for the herds in a respectful and non-intrusive way. They also provide tours that allow visitors to experience the wild horses in their natural habitat. The money they raise goes directly to cover the cost of food, veterinary work with injured or sick horses at their farm and with general herd management. In 2010, these horses were designated North Carolina’s official state horse.
When you've spotted one, others may not be far behind
The wild horses on the Outer Banks travel in harems consisting of a dominant stallion and up to four mares. Stallions that are too old, too young or not willing to challenge a harem stallion will form a group of their own called “bachelor stallions”. The lead mare makes the decisions on where the harem will travel covering as much as 15-25 miles per day. Their lifespan is about 22 years.
Get ready to roll . . .
Currituck Banks is where you will find wild horses roaming on the 7,500 acres of public and private land north of Corolla. The best way to view these Wild Spanish Mustangs is in a 4-wheel drive either on your own or with a tour group. When the Corolla paved road ends, and the beach begins, you’ll find the horses grazing on the sand dunes, feasting in resident’s yards and frolicking on the beach.
Take a tour and learn some history
Another way to visit the wild horses on the Outer Banks is through a tour group. There are several in the area but the Corolla Wild Horses Fund operates tours and all their proceeds go directly towards the care of the Wild Mustangs.
We highly recommend this group not only for their cause but also for their direct experience with the horses. They have some great stories from years of observation and contact with the herds. If you would like to learn more about the past, present and future of the Wild Spanish Mustangs you can contact the Corolla Wild Horse Fund who operate two Museum Stores in Corolla and Duck.
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Other viewing sites
Another place to observe the wild horses is on Ocracoke Island. The horses here are fenced in and managed by the National Park Service. There is also an observation tower where people can view the horses.
If you’re willing and able to take a ferry ride and hire a guide, the Shackleford Banks is another option for viewing the Wild Spanish Mustangs in the wild.
On Cedar Island, also accessible by ferry, the horses live in the marshes. This can sometimes make them difficult to view but there is a public stable with guides that lead trail rides to find these wild mustangs.
From the waterfront in downtown Beaufort, you can spot the horses on Carrot Island.
A few final thoughts . . .
By respecting the wild nature of these horses we can continue to enjoy these animals in the habitat they have become accustomed to for hundreds of years. However you decide to view these amazing creatures, it will be one of the highlights of your visit to the Outer Banks.
Have you been to the wild horses on the Outer Banks? We’d love to hear about your experience.
Our family was enjoying 4×4 beach in corolla and we looked back towards the dunes and there was a beautiful wild horse that graced us with its presence for a minute or so. We were so excited to see this beauty on the beach.
I have wanted to go see the wild mustangs for as long as I can remember. This has inspired me to get my family down there. Thanks for giving more than one option on places to see them.
Our pleasure. It really is special. You can see them in people’s backyards, in the woods, on top of the dunes or on the beach. They are basically part of the community!