How to See Wild Horses on the Outer Banks
Wild horses may not seem like an exciting animal to see compared to rare or exotic animals found in a zoo, but the wild horses in the Outer Banks are completely reliant on the environment they live in.
With little to no human involvement, except for administering birth control, these horses are prone to getting pregnant multiple times.
The fact that a species of Spanish mustangs can survive in an environment with sand and oak trees is truly magical.
The minerals from the sand and the branches of the oak trees help keep the horses looking healthy including their coat and mane.
This makes this species of horses the only ones capable of surviving in the reservation area just north of Corolla and south of the Virginia border.
I honestly cannot believe that I didn’t take the wild horse tour sooner as I’ve been to the Outer Banks since my childhood, but here are some things to know on how to see the horses in the Outer Banks without getting into trouble.
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Spend two hours riding through the sand dunes looking for wild horses by booking a tour!
Where is the Best Place to See Wild Horses on the Outer Banks?
Going on a Wild Horse Adventure tour is the best way to find wild horses in their natural habitat if you don’t live on Carova Beach as they take you on the beach and around the houses near the Virginia border.
However, it may be difficult to find them sometimes if they are under oak trees.
Due to the weather and the direction of the wind, you can find the feral Spanish mustangs on the beach or further inland where people live.
Can You See Wild Horses in OBX Without a Tour?
While it is possible to see the wild horses without booking a tour, it can be difficult to spot them as the Wild Horse Adventure tour guides know where to spot them.
Since there is no actual road with a long trek on the beach, you must have a 4-wheel drive to access the area.
It is also recommended to research the rules for the wild horses as you will have to pay a fee if you’re caught breaking one of them.
Some of the rules include no feeding them and to not stay within 50 feet of the horses.
What is the Best Time to See the Horses in Outer Banks?
Similar to the peak season in the Outer Banks, the best times to see the wild horses is during the spring and summer months.
However, I went in late September and was still able to spot quite a few horses. You can also visit in October as the weather is mostly decent for the horses.
Can You Walk on the Beach to See Wild Horses in Corolla?
It is possible to walk on the beach to see horses, but it is pretty rare to see them on the beach as they don’t usually hang around the entrance in Currituck County.
Origins of the Wild Horses in OBX
One of the most fascinating facts about these wild horses is that they were brought over by the Spanish colonizers and the current descendants came from domesticated horses that are now considered wild.
To survive, they dig for fresh water and swim in search of new grazing areas. This herd is also one of two Spanish Mustangs herds in the world that are wild.
Where Can I Learn More About the Horses?
The guided tour of the wild horses provides a glimpse into the history of these horses, but the Corolla Wild Horse Museum in Historic Corolla Village is the best way to get more in-depth information about the origins of the Spanish Mustang descendants.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop.
What Wild Horse Tours in Corolla Should I Take?
There are a number of wild horse tours that you can take with many different 4WD vehicles. The one that I recommend is the Hummer Adventure Tours as you get to ride in a cool hummer with an awesome view of the ocean and the horses.
This tour is definitely for off-roading lovers as the ride is really intense when driving on the high sand dunes. Not all tours will take you off the beaten path as some off-road vehicles are unable to access certain areas due to high inclines and the sand.
Other popular tours include the Back Country Safari tours and Bob’s Wild Horse tours.
Most of these tours will take around 2 hours and prepare for the weather as it may be chilly.
What Are Ways That I Can Help Preserve the Wild Horses?
One way to help the wild horses stay in their natural environment is to purchase gifts at the museum’s shop as all proceeds go to the wild horses.
You can also make a one time donation to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Here are some other ways that you can donate:
- Memberships through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund
- Horse Sponsorships
- Tributes
- Owners Are Donors
- Wedding Program
*Please head to the Corolla Wild Horses website for more ways to donate.
Seeing wild horses thrive on their own without much human management is truly a special sight, and I hope we can continue to preserve the Corolla herd.
When taking a tour to see the wild horses, please be respectful and happily admire them from afar.
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