Beach time is a favorite way to spend summer vacation. As we
make plans to get away, here is an idea for those who’d like to reconnect with
the power of nature. If you're feeling the need to reclaim your wild inner child… add
wild horses to your beach escape.
5 Wild Spanish Mustangs—Corolla, NC—June 28, 2007 by Kevincollins123
Nothing quite captures the essence of freedom and sparks joy
deep within us like the vision of wild horses racing down an otherwise deserted
beach. These free spirits inspire us to tap into our own
wild, free core. Be ready for a soul-stirring and awe-inspiring experience.
Historical and modern romance authors--especially those who write Western romances--often write about
horses. A horse has starred in many famous novels for children and teens of
all ages.
Wikipedia states that in 1971, US Congress recognized the
mustang as ‘…living symbols of the historic and pioneering spirit of the West…”.
Today, they are entrusted to the Bureau of Land Management and protected by US
law.
Wild horses are more commonly known as feral horses. More
than half the mustang population is found in Nevada, with large numbers also in
Wyoming, Montana and Oregon. The Atlantic coast is the other most likely area
to find them. Here are some (but not all) of the best places to see these
pillars of strength and freedom.
The CBS Sunday Morning News recently presented a segment
about Cumberland Island, an
enchanting island just off the coast of Georgia, where wild horses roam and
outnumber the human population. The original horses arrived along with the
Spaniards in the 1500s. Historically, Cumberland Island was a cotton plantation
prior to the Civil War. Later, it became the private retreat of the famous
Carnegie family. In 1972 they sold and gave most of their land to the National
Park Service, creating Cumberland Island National Sea Shore. This is where John
F Kennedy Jr. married Carolyn Bessette, in a small shack of a church built by
freed slaves.
Another place you can find herds of wild
horses is the seashore where Maryland and Virginia meet at Assateague Island and Chincoteaque. The two herds found here – one
in each state – are probably the best known to tourists. On the Virginia side,
there is an annual salt water round up and pony swim that takes place every
July before the auction where most of the foals are sold to manage the herd
size. The Maryland herd roams free and their population is kept under control
by selected mares being shot with a dart vaccine that keeps them from getting
pregnant.
Wild Pony at Assateague Island National Seashore, MD, June
27, 2007 by dbking
In North Carolina, there are four parks where you can
watch wild horses:
~Corolla on the
Currituck Outer Banks, where wild horses roam free and you can drive along
the beach to view them.
~Ocracoke Island,
where the herd has dwindled to less than two dozen horses. These 'ponies' are far
from wild anymore. They are fed twice daily and receive veterinary
treatments. A visit to the Pony Pen can be fun.
~Shackleford Banks,
Cape Lookout, is an island three miles offshore. It is cut off from the mainland and
accessible only by ferry. Over 100 wild horses roam here and a visit to this
island is said to be highly satisfying for wild horse watchers.
~Rachel Carson
Coastal Reserve is a series of islands where you can see wild horses
galloping along the beach. You can get to the island by ferry, or enjoy a boat
tour around the island.
Nevada has a
number of locations where you can enjoy wild horses. A very informative website
with tips and locations is animaltourism.com/animals/horse.php.
Who knows, the wild horses may inspire you with a plot involving horses
while you are there. Enjoy your summer and keep these safety tips in mind no matter what sort of vacation you plan: stay
hydrated, don’t get sunburned, and be safe in the water.
GEMMA JULIANA is a multi-published author who lives
in an enchanted cottage in north Texas with her handsome hero, teen son and a
comical dog. She loves making new friends and hearing from readers. Exotic
coffee and chocolate fuel her creativity. You can buy Gemma’s books on Amazon.
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