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Searching
the remote northern stretch of Currituck Banks for these beautiful wild
horses can be as simple as parking on the beach and waiting for them
to stroll by. On the other hand, there are times when scouring the rough
back roads for them can be frustrating. They go where they want and do
as they please for their own reasons, and by their own schedule.
If you don't have
a 4-wheel drive vehicle, there is the option of booking an off-road guided tour to
see Currituck's wild mustangs. You may also rent an off-road vehicle and still make
your own adventure. Either way it's a worthwhile trip.
| This
mare heads for a grazing spot behind the dunes. |
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The future
of these wild mustangs is in debate. The existing herd of about 100 horses is
considered insufficient
to maintain genetic viability, and efforts are underway to permit expanding the
herd. The Corolla
Wild Horse Fund is at the forefront of protecting and preserving
these magnificent spanish mustangs.
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Colts
are a common sight with mares on their strolls along the
beach. |
These spanish
mustangs have been studied by various groups to certify their lineage, as reported
by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
Horse
of
the Americas, Inc., a registry for American horse breeds, as well as the American
Livestock
Breeds Conservancy and the American Indian Horse Registry examined horses from
the Currituck
Banks
herd
and
verified that they are descended from spanish mustangs. In addition, extensive
DNA
analysis is underway by Texas A & M University's College
of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Integrative
Biosciences. One thing their initial tests indicated is a concern for the genetic
viability of such a small herd. They advised the size of the
herd should be increased to insure a sufficient genetic pool.
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No
matter how many times you see these wild horses walking along
the ocean waves, it remains an inspiring sight. |
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Learn
more about Currituck's
Spanish Mustangs
| Help protect the Spanish Mustangs |
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Read
about the Spanish Mustang breed characteristics at |
Horse
of the Americas
unified registry |
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