One of the largest corn mazes can be found at Yoders’ Farm in Rustburg, Va. Some historians believe that the arrival of the Ocracoke horses can be traced back to a Spanish shipwreck that occurred in 1565. © 1998 - 2020 Nexstar Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Visiting the Ocracoke Wild Ponies. Like neighboring barrier islands that also feature wild horses, specifically the communities of Carova to the north and the Shackleford Banks to the south, the Ocracoke Wild Ponies are direct descendants of shipwrecks. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Visitors can almost always spot a horse or two, either out in the distance, or sometimes right next to the perimeters of the fence area and literally just a few feet away. Ocracoke Wild Horses The History of the Ocracoke Wild Ponies. Horses have been documented on Ocracoke since the first European settlers came to stay in the 1730s. Today the Ocracoke Pony Pen allows virtually everyone a close look at the descendants of the famed wild island horses. Driving along NC Highway 12, visitors will spot a brown NPS sign indicating the Pony Pen, as well as a soundside parking area that abuts the wooden fence borders. The very first Spanish explorers of the 1500s often skirted the coastline with cargo holds filled with gifts both for and from the New Worlds of the West Indies. Steamers include lobster, crawfish, crab legs, oysters, mussels and shrimp. KEES Vacations offers the best Outer Banks rentals for family vacations, romantic weekend getaways and groups of all sizes looking for the perfect OBX rental for their stay. Theres a board with some history but thats it. A popular visitor attraction, they are now … They have a different number of vertebrae and ribs (much like Spanish mustangs), plus they are shaped differently, have different coloring, are generally smaller in size, and weigh less than other horses. Need a refreshing dip in the ocean after a little horse-spotting on a hot day? Over the following centuries, the horses were used as beasts of burden for manual labor, prominent stars in local races, and even simple vehicles to enjoy a ride on the beach. The Diamond Shoals are the most notable hindrance to mariners, as this collection of always-changing sand bars have historically caused hundreds if not thousands of ships to run aground while still in the middle of the ocean, and as a result, be subsequently battered and destroyed by the onslaught of approaching waves. The Ocracoke Harbor is easily the busiest quarter mile stretch of Ocracoke Island. Featured property amenities include on-site pools & hot tubs, contactless check-in, linens included on every reservation, cabana services & more. Starters include nachos, crab dip, wings and oysters on the half shell. While at one point the number of Ocracoke Wild Ponies on the island was estimated at 300, today only 17 horses remain of the original Spanish herd. Ocracoke Wild Horses Seasoned visitors to Ocracoke Island love to soak in its rich heritage and culture which dates back to the 1500s, and features some legendary and longstanding residents. The end result is a history of Outer Banks shipwrecks that begins with the very first explorers, and many historians postulate that the arrival of these mysterious horses on the beach coincided with just such an ancient shipwreck. Copyright 2020 Nexstar Inc. All rights reserved. For over 40 years – and with locations from Corolla to Ocracoke – Kitty Hawk Kites is proud to provide the most unique shopping experience with unmatched quality and service, as well as the most dynamic adventure offerings on the Outer Banks. The soundside parking lot is actually located across the street from a beach access, which leads out to one of Ocracoke's gorgeous and unpopulated oceanside beaches. BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCN/WAVY) — Wild horses on islands along the North Carolina coast have been accounted for following Hurricane Dorian. The horses were even utilized by the US Life Saving Service in the late 1800s as "beach patrols" and to help haul heavy equipment to shipwreck or rescue sites. They have the distinctive wild manes and tails, but are actually quite docile and seemingly content to spend their days grazing along the soundside beaches of Ocracoke Island. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Ocracoke Wild Ponies with a visit to the borders of the fenced in area that is located close to the feeding stations, an area which is referred to as the Ocracoke Pony Pen. BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCN/WAVY) — Wild horses on islands along the North Carolina coast have been accounted for following Hurricane Dorian. In any case, reports of the Wild Ponies can be traced back to the 1730s, when Ocracoke's earliest settlers discovered them and realized that they were a beneficial addition to the newfound communities. Horse lovers who want to contribute to the preservation of the Ocracoke Wild Ponies can elect to "Adopt-a-Pony" through a charitable program offered by the National Park Service. Clearly, over the centuries, the horses have adapted to the laid-back atmosphere that Ocracoke is known for. The area is monitored to ensure the horses are not disturbed, and failure to follow these guidelines will result in a very steep NPS fine. This small contribution not only helps feed the horses and provide regular veterinary care, but also allows visitors to "stay connected" with their favorite Ocracoke residents well after their Outer Banks vacation is over. By 1959, the National Park Service had completed work on a soundside pen, which was large enough for the horses to roam, but protected them from the newly constructed highway. Many newcomers to the Outer Banks are surprised to learn that this destination has all of these attributes and more, and it can be hard to narrow down the overflowing list of "must-sees" or "must-dos" that have to be squeezed into a 1-2 week OBX vacation. More rain, sunshine and eventually cold air on the way, Blog: Steady Showers Leading to Soggy Sunday, Virginia Oct. 12 COVID-19 update: ODU economist talks pandemic’s effects on Hampton Roads in Coronavirus Digital Discussion. These famed horses are arguably one of the island's top attractions, and can be easily admired by any Ocracoke visitor via a quick trip to the National Park Service's Ocracoke Pony Pen. The horses themselves can be a slightly unusual or surprising sight to new visitors. Remnants of a stormy past which included multiple shipwrecks and salty, struggling villages, the horses are a reminder to visitors, locals and historians alike of Ocracoke's deep cultural roots, and ongoing preservation of its prized and storied history. Blog: Trying To Dry Out After The Washout! While horses no longer roam free on Ocracoke Island, wild herds left their hoof prints in the shifting sands of this island for centuries, until the Park Service made the island into part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For several years, the horses were cared for and protected by the local Ocracoke Boy Scout troop, the only mounted scout troop in the country. Police say it happened on Saturday at the Oyster Point condominiums at 700 Skipjack Lane. Sections of NC 12 in Rodanthe and Ocracoke were closed over the course of a week because of standing water and sand. There have been as many as 300 horses on Ocracoke. Sundogs is very proud of their hamburgers, and while they will top it with all the fixings, you don’t need a thing atop one of these babies to enjoy it. Several informative displays are set up around the fence's borders, explaining the history and local legends of the Ocracoke Wild Ponies. Sable is famous for its approximately 500 free-roaming wild horses. Over the decades, certain horses were claimed by local families, and branded and kept on island, or sold to mainland communities, while the rest were released back into the wild. While it's possible for drivers and passengers with an eagle eye to spot the horses roaming along the soundside borders of NC Highway 12, the best way to spot these wild creatures is with a stop at the Ocracoke Pony Pen. The horses are actually much smaller than standard modern horses, with squat but bulky frames and smaller legs. While small and powerful, they are full-grown horses that are often called or referred to as Banker ponies as their range included most of … When most people think of "Spanish Mustangs," particularly wild ones, they envision massive beasts with wild manes roaming free or running like mad along the shoreline. Easily accessible along NC Highway 12, and always open to visitors, every trip by the Ocracoke Pony Pen is guaranteed to serve up a new perspective and a new encounter with one of the island's most famous local residents. The victim, Denny's boyfriend, was taken to the Outer Banks Hospital for treatment. Every hurricane that hits raises concerns for the wild horses, who are left exposed to heavy rains and lashing winds of the storms. On your next visit to Ocracoke, be sure and schedule in a quick 5 or 10 minute stop at the Ocracoke Pony Pen to see what these wild natives are up to. Some of the most popular Ocracoke locals are the Wild Ponies, which are protected in a secluded 180 acre area enclosure on the soundside of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but can still be enjoyed by anyone passing through the island on NC Highway 12. Even if one visit leads to an unsuccessful wild horse sighting, the next visit could be completely different, and visitors are welcome to cruise by the pony pen any time they'd like. But hopefully, with combined National Park Service (NPS) and local efforts, as well as a safe and protected environment, the horses will once again flourish on Ocracoke Island. The ship Tiger, which was commandeered by Sir Richard Greenville, ran aground just off the coast of Ocracoke, and many believe that Greenville unloaded all of his livestock, and specifically the Spanish Mustangs, ashore. Experience more adventure, fun, and style with Kitty Hawk Kites. By the late 1950s, residents and the National Park Service alike had recognized the importance of the Wild Ponies to the island's local history and culture, and steps were put in place to protect them from the increase in traffic and tourism.

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