Why Are There Wild Horses On Assateague Island?

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.

Why do the horses swim from Assateague?

Pony Auction
The purpose of the pony swim on Wednesday is to move the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction takes place the following day.

Who owns the horses on Assateague Island?

the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company
The Virginia herd is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Each year the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company purchases a grazing permit from the National Fish & Wildlife Service. This permit allows the Fire Company to maintain a herd of approximately 150 adult ponies on Assateague Island.

Why are the horses made to swim from Assateague to Chincoteague?

Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. First the auction helps to control the size of the herd.

When did horses come to Assateague Island?

1669
Evidence suggests that domestic horses (Equus caballus) were on Assateague as early as 1669 when settlers put their livestock, including horses, on the island. Descendents of these animals have been living in the wild on Assateague for well over 300 years.

What do they do with the horses at Assateague Island?

” On the last Wednesday of July, the Virginia herd of horses is rounded up and swum from Assateague Island to nearby Chincoteague Island. On the following day most of the young foals are auctioned off. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.

How did horses end up on Assateague Island?

Some people believe the horses arrived on Assateague’s shores when a Spanish galleon ship (with a cargo of horses) sank offshore. Others believe the horses arrived by early colonial settlers that allowed them to graze there.

Can you touch the horses at Assateague Island?

Petting or feeding the wild horses may seem like a harmless and fun thing to do, but the consequences can be terrible. For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch, or feed the Assateague horses. Assateague horses do bite, kick and can carry rabies.

How long do Assateague ponies live?

There is also evidence that the birth control has helped the horses live longer. In 1990, hardly any horses lived past 15; now, the horses are living to 30 and older.

What do the horses on Assateague Island eat?

salt water cord grass
The Ponies primarily eat the salt water cord grass that grows in the marshes on Assateague Island. They eat almost all day just to get enough nutrition from this diet to sustain themselves. The salt content of the cord grass is very high.

Do the horses on Assateague drink salt water?

“A common visitor misconception is that the Assateague horses have evolved to drink salt water. Fortunately for the horses and other wildlife there are many naturally occurring freshwater ponds like the one in front of you scattered throughout the island.

Can you ride Assateague horses?

Horseback riding is allowed on the beach on both the Maryland and Virginia Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zones. Riders must stay east (ocean side) of the black and white posts. Riding is not permitted in any other areas, including but not limited to dunes, dune crossings, trails, boardwalks and paved roads.

Why do they round up the Chincoteague ponies?

The Wild Ponies are rounded up into corrals on Assateague Island for an overall health check by a Veterinarian. The vet gives the Ponies inoculations against the West Nile virus and to prevent Equine Encephalitis.

Why is it called Assateague?

The Assateague (meaning: “swifly moving water“) were an Algonquian people speaking the Nanticoke language who historically lived on the Atlantic coast side of the Delmarva Peninsula (known during the colonial period as the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia, and the Lower Counties of Pennsylvania).

Why are there wild horses in Maryland?

Some people believe that the wild ponies of Assateague arrived on Assateague Island when a Spanish galleon cargo ship (with a cargo of horses) sank off the coast and the horses swam to shore. Others believe the wild horses arrived there via early colonial settlers.

Can you swim at Assateague Island?

Where can I swim at Assateague State Park? You can swim anywhere along the ocean, a designated swim sector is located at the Day Use beach and is signified by flags on the north and south boundary. No surfing, kayaking, or fishing is permitted in the swim sector. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk.

How much do Assateague ponies sell for?

Average cost of a pony: $4,309.

Why is Assateague Island disappearing?

The effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and intensifying storms, will alter the landscape at Assateague Island, affecting the access and experience that visitors enjoy today.

Where do the Assateague horses go in the winter?

Since the primary source of food for the horses in winter is the salt marsh cordgrass, they will often be grazing in the marsh rather than on the beach or dunes. To access these areas, put on some knee high rubber boots and head out into the marsh!

Do wild horses drink ocean water?

Do they need fresh water? Absolutely. They do not drink brackish or salt water.

Why do horses go to the beach?

“Playing in the sea and sand lets the horses relax,” says Waterhouse. “It gives them something else to do other than running hard in circles.” A horse’s performance can drop if it gets bored of training, so a trip to the beach rejuvenates both horse and rider.