The Wild Horses of Assateague
Assateague National Seashore, Maryland, USA
wildlife photography | wild horses | assateague | research writing | local wildlife photography | wildlife photographer | horse photos | assateague Maryland | assateague national seashore
The idea of herds of wild horses trotting on a beautiful white sand beach sounds pretty exotic, right? Believe it or not this scene can be found in the states of Maryland and Virgina! If you are ready for some dry camping and lots of bug spray then you can get set up and see the horses walk right by your camp! JAL had the opportunity to go for a weekend in March 2022, and was able to get amazing photographs of some of the many majestic horses that call Assateague home.
Assateague
The Assateague National Seashore spans over two states, Maryland and Virgina. The area has a uniquely varied landscape that takes you from sandy beaches to marshes and forests. While horses are not native to the United States, the feral horses in Assateague have likely been there since the late 17th century. Folklore tells the story of their ancestors swimming to the islands after surviving a shipwreck but no records can confirm this. There is also another legend that suggests there is hidden pirate treasure being hidden in off-limit areas of the park.
The Wild Horses
The horses in Assateague are known as “Chincoteague Ponies” due to their smaller stature compared to other breeds. This occurs because of the harsh conditions of the island. Their diet is restricted to the plants and brush of the salt marshes, which is not particularly plentiful and nutritious. As for patterns, the pinto variety is the most commonly found, but they can have solid colorations too.
Despite their tame appearance and ancestry, don’t be fooled! These horses will rummage through unsecured food stores, kind of like bears. They have also been known to bite, kick and knock over people who try to be too friendly! It is highly recommended that all visitors keep a safe distance away, even while driving on the roads! They are very used to guests so they will be easy to find.
