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Horses Grazing at Ocracoke

If you are a fan of horse racing, you might be interested in learning about the Ocracoke horses, a unique breed of wild ponies that live on a remote island off the coast of North Carolina. These horses have a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century, when they were brought to the New World by Spanish explorers and shipwrecked on the Outer Banks.

The Ocracoke horses are thought to be descendants of the Spanish mustangs, a type of horse that was bred for endurance and agility in the harsh conditions of the American Southwest. The Spanish mustangs were often carried on ships as cargo or as gifts for the native peoples of the Americas. However, the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean claimed many of these ships, and some of the horses managed to swim ashore and survive on the barrier islands of North Carolina.

One of the earliest documented shipwrecks that may have brought the Ocracoke horses to the island was the Tiger, a vessel commanded by Sir Richard Greenville, an English explorer who was sent by Queen Elizabeth I to establish a colony in Virginia in 1585. The Tiger ran aground near Ocracoke and had to unload some of its livestock, including horses, to lighten the load and refloat the ship. Some historians believe that these horses were the ancestors of the Ocracoke ponies.

For centuries, the Ocracoke horses roamed freely on the island, adapting to the harsh environment of sand, salt, and wind. They developed a distinctive appearance, with a small stature, a large head, a sloping croup, and a low tail set. They also have a different number of vertebrae and ribs than most other horses, which may be a result of inbreeding and isolation. The Ocracoke horses are often called “Banker” ponies, as their range included most of the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands that protect the mainland from the ocean.

The Ocracoke horses played an important role in the island’s history and culture, serving as work animals and companions for the early settlers, the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the Coast Guard, and the Boy Scouts. They were also used for entertainment, such as beach rides and races. The islanders claimed ownership of the horses and branded them with their initials. They also held annual pony penning's, where they rounded up the horses and sorted them out, selling some and releasing others back to the wild.

However, the Ocracoke horses faced many threats to their survival, such as overgrazing, disease, predators, and human interference. In 1959, a highway was built on the island, which increased the risk of traffic accidents involving the horses. To protect them from harm, the National Park Service fenced in a 180-acre pasture on the sound side of the island, where the remaining herd of about 20 horses was relocated. The Park Service has been caring for the horses ever since, providing them with food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and birth control.

The Horses at Ocracoke Sign

The Ocracoke horses are a living link to the island’s past and a symbol of its resilience and beauty. They are also a rare and valuable genetic resource, as they are one of the few remaining strains of colonial Spanish mustangs in North America. The Park Service and other organizations, such as the Ocracoke Pony Preservation Society and the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, are working to preserve and protect the Ocracoke horses and their heritage for future generations.

If you want to see the Ocracoke horses for yourself, you can visit the Pony Pen, a viewing area on Highway 12 near the Ocracoke-Hatteras ferry terminal. There, you can observe the horses from a safe distance and learn more about their history and characteristics from interpretive signs and brochures. You can also support the horses by adopting one through the Outer Banks Forever, the official philanthropic partner of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. By adopting a pony, you will help cover the costs of its care and receive updates and photos of your chosen horse.

The Ocracoke horses are a remarkable example of how nature and history can shape a breed of animals. They are also a testament to the love and dedication of the people who have cared for them over the years. The Ocracoke horses are more than just wild ponies, they are a part of the island’s identity and a source of pride and joy for its residents and visitors.