What Water Do The Assateague Horses Drink?

Their water comes from the freshwater ponds located on the island. They are true horses, and not actual ponies, who have adapted to the diet and life on Assateague. During the winter their coats become quite thick to protect them from the harsh winds.

What do the horses on Assateague Island drink?

The Chincoteague Ponies find fresh, or brackish, water in low lying areas of Assateague Island that collect rain water. They also drink from Vernal Pools (link to Wikipedia) found on Assateague Island.

Is there fresh water on Assateague Island?

Along the seaward side, sandy beaches extend the length of the island. Beyond the beach, natural and human-made dunes protect inland habitats from salt spray and ocean waves, allowing shrub thickets and pine forests to thrive. During periods of rain, many freshwater pools form in depressions in these areas.

Where do the Chincoteague ponies get water?

Drinking fresh water from ponds and eating marsh grasses, the Chincoteague ponies call the Assateague Island their home. You may be familiar with this famous breed because of Marguerite Henry’s novel, ‘Misty of Chincoteague’.

What do the wild horses on Outer Banks drink?

fresh water
The horses forage for grasses and plants found naturally in their habitat, and they drink fresh water from the Currituck Sound estuarine system, rain puddles, manmade canals and small lakes formed by storm water. No supplemental feeding is necessary and can actually harm the wild horses.

Where do the horses on Assateague get fresh water?

freshwater ponds
Their water comes from the freshwater ponds located on the island. They are true horses, and not actual ponies, who have adapted to the diet and life on Assateague. During the winter their coats become quite thick to protect them from the harsh winds.

Do wild horses drink ocean water?

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

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.

Are there sharks in Assateague Bay?

Sharks, and sandbar sharks in particular, which Moore says are the most common off Assateague, can be crushed by their own weight when out of the water.

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.

Are there sharks in Chincoteague?

Sandbar sharks and smooth dogfish are available in Chincoteague Bay from May to October.

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.

Why are there so many mosquitoes in Chincoteague?

These insects thrive in wet, hot climates, and it’s not just the current forecast that brings them out. The location’s weather patterns over the past several months can determine how many mosquitoes emerge. The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high.

What body of water is at Assateague?

The Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean lies along the eastern side of Assateague Island, with the park’s boundary extending ½ mile into its waters.

Is the water clear at Assateague Island?

Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
Spanning 37 miles along the Atlantic Coast, Assateague Island features white sand beaches, clear waters, wildlife, and recreational activities galore.

Can you swim in the ocean at Assateague?

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.

Is Assateague Island clean?

We are officially certified as clean, healthy and environmentally well managed!