What Do Assateague Horses Do 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!

Are the horses on Assateague Island year round?

The horses are feral and roam freely throughout the Maryland section of the island, so they can be anywhere at any time. The horses can often be found in the marsh areas, on the beach, or further down the island in the National Park’s OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) area.

What happens to the horses on 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.

What time of year are horses on Assateague Island?

What month is best to see ponies? Anytime from late April through mid October. Summer is a great time to see the foals. The weather is best at this time of year.

How do they keep the horses on Assateague Island?

The Chincoteague ponies are kept in grazing compartments on the Virginia portion of Assateague and there is a physical fence at the state line to prevent the two herds from coming in contact. The National Park service is constantly monitoring the horse population and the horses are managed as a wild herd.

Can you see Assateague ponies in winter?

While you probably won’t see them dipping in the ocean as the water dips below 45 degrees, you can still occasionally catch a glimpse of the horses roaming the beach, and especially on the OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) section of the park.

Can you drive to see the horses on Assateague Island?

Note: You cannot drive all the way through Assateague Island. You have to drive back to the mainland to go between Assateague National Seashore and Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge which is about 56 miles.

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.

How much do Assateague ponies sell for?

Average cost of a pony: $4,309.

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 time of year is best to see wild horses?

While it is possible to do a self-guided journey, the best bet for seeing the wild horses of Corolla is to book a tour with one of the reputable companies in the OBX. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourism season in June and July.

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.

What do the horses drink on Assateague Island?

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.

Can you sleep in your car in Assateague?

Camping and/or sleeping overnight are prohibited except in designated campsites. Drive-in Site Limits: 6 persons (or immediate family), 3 tents, 2 registered motor vehicles, or one vehicle and a trailer, allowed per drive-in campsite.

Can you sleep in your car at Assateague Island?

Call 757-336-6577 for information. Maryland — Assateague Island National Seashore does not close, but overnight parking in the MD OSV Zone is prohibited except for those who are awake and actively engaged in fishing or those with a Bullpen permit. Camping and/or sleeping on the beach is strictly prohibited.

How cold is too cold for ponies?

In the absence of wind and moisture, horses tolerate temperatures at or slightly below 0° F. If horses have access to a shelter, they can tolerate temperatures as low as -40° F. But horses are most comfortable at temperatures between 18° and 59° F, depending on their hair coat. What size shelter do you need?

Can ponies stay out in winter?

“And as long as they are allowed to acclimatize to the changes in season, as long as they are given the opportunity to grow a hair coat, and they have adequate food and shelter from wind, they are actually much healthier outside than they are inside.”

What is the best time of year to visit Assateague Island?

The ocean temperatures at Assateague Island are similar to Ocean City, Maryland, with the best times of year to swim in just a bathing suit being the end of June to early September. The air temperatures are warm to hot during these months, with the ocean offering a refreshing cool off from the sun.

Which is better Chincoteague or Assateague?

One of the best reasons to visit Chincoteague is to go to the beach! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.

How close can you get to the horses at Assateague Island?

Assateague horses are WILD; they don’t behave like domestic horses. Stay at least 40 feet away from them.