Today I went to Assateague Island with one of my nieces and one of my sisters-in-law to Assateague Island. Like many horse-loving American children, the Misty of Chincoteague books by Margaret Henry left a lasting impression. I can remember desperately wanting a Chincoteague pony.
We saw several small bands of horses on the Maryland side at the National Seashore. I though the horses looked quite fat, but according to this article about pony management, the horses look fat because they eat a salty diet, and are bloated from the amount of water they must drink. I also noticed the lack of foals and yearlings, which is evidently due to dart gun delivered contraceptives.
Signs against approaching the wild horses were all over the park. Having seen what “tame” horses can do, I had no desire to approach the “feral” variety, unlike some parents who seemed to feel no concern about their children being less than fifty feet from the horses.
Misty was one of my all-time favorite books when I was a kid. I found a copy at the thrift store not long and bought it. It’s vintage…looks just like the one I remember.
I’m with you. While I love watching wild horses, I’ve no need to get up close and personal.
Too cool. Any photos?