Assateague Island National Seashore, MD
Assateague’s wild horses are well known, even to many people who have never been to the island. The “wild” horses on Assateague are actually feral animals, meaning that they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society.
Local folklore describes the Assateague horses as survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. While this dramatic tale of struggle and survival is popular, there are no records yet that confirm it. The most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
Chincoteague Island, VA
The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. They are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line. The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd.
10 thoughts on “Horses, Horses, Horses, Horses…”
Beautiful horses and scenery. Thank you for sharing. Be safe,
Love you,
Casper and Glynda
Glynda, We miss you so much. Love to you and Casper.
Great pictures love it
Leigh, It has been ages. Glad you like the pictures. Give me a call when you have time. I would love to catch up.
How beautiful. I have always wanted to see horses in the wild. They are so beautiful when they run in a group. You continue to see so many amazing things. we will leave tomorrow to go to Durango for my Granddaughters graduation and hopefully for the rest of the summer. I am getting around good since my knee replacement but still a way to go. Ed has an issue with his neck so we may have to return early if he needs surgery. Continue to have fun, be safe, stay healthy and continue to share your interesting trip adventures.
Durango is so beautiful. It will be nice to escape the heat of Houston for awhile. Congrats to your granddaughters. Glad your knee is doing well. It can be a long recovery. Take care and let me know when you get back to Houston.
Love the horses and country side, you are discovering so many great places! We have been busy with college graduation of oldest grandson from Alabama and then this weekend was high school graduation for Frisco granddaughter! Missed seeing you this year.
Becki, That is so awesome!! I’m sure you’re so proud. Missed you this year. I hope we can see you this year. Take care.
This one is on my bucket list!! As a young girl I read the book, Misty of Chincoteague and have always wanted to go there. I hear y’all are settling down near Nashville. – we will have to come visit.
Hi Brenda. I read that book too. And it made my bucket list. I thought it was a great place. You can camp on the island and the horses will come to the campsite. We didn’t camp on the island, but thought it would be neat for someone who had a smaller RV or tent camping. We are settling in near Nashville. We are about 30 mins away. Y’all come on anytime.