North Carolina’s Historic Herd of Wild Horses is in Jeopardy – You Can Help Now!

North Carolina's historic herd of wild horses, residing on the Outer Banks, is facing a severe genetic crisis. These horses, among the oldest and rarest strains of Colonial Spanish horses, are critically endangered. Despite surviving natural disasters and human encroachment, they now face a threat that could lead to their extinction unless immediate action is taken.

When Cordero, awild foal, was first spotted on North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks, the tides were too high to bring a trailer. For the four days that followed, Karen McCalpain, director of theCorolla Wild Horse Fund, and volunteers searched for him through wooded areas and marsh until they happened upon him and his family.

Cordero was born with severe front leg deformities – a result ofinbreeding. Sadly, due to the severity of his condition, he had to be euthanized.

“I have been in this position for nearly 10 years, and I have watched the number of deformities in small foals steadily increase over this period,” McCalpain explains. “Something desperately needs to be done.”

The Corolla wild horses represent one of the oldest and rarest strains of Colonial Spanish horses. They are listed as a criticallyendangeredbreed and have been present in the area since the 1500s. They have survived hurricanes, noreasters, and encroaching development, but these cherishedhorsesmay not survive the genetic crisis they now face unlesslegislationis passed to protect them.

An amendment to theEnergy Policy Modernization Acthas recently been introduced by North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, and could be the solution to securing the future for this historic herd.

The amendment merely seeks to increase the number ofhorsesallowed from the current population of 82 to between 110 and 130 in order to improve the herd’s genetic viability. The Burr-Tillis amendment mirrors theShackleford Banks Wild Horses Protection Act, which conferred protection for the wild horses at Cape Lookout National Seashore, Shackleford Banks, NC. The Shackleford wild horses have been effectively managed at between a population of 110 and 130 for the last 18 years in peaceful co-existence with the ecosystem and recreational activities in a habitat less than half the size of the Corolla herd’s range.

“A cherished part of our state’s history and an admired attraction, thousands of tourists visit North Carolina’s beaches each year to witness the majestic nature of the Corolla horses,” said Senator Tillis in a 2015press release. “ThelegislationI’m introducing will take the necessary and proper steps in protecting the health and safety of the wild animals and their habitat, while encouraging continued tourism and economic investment for our local coastal communities.”

“The beauty of the Corolla horses draws people from across North Carolina and the country to witness these wild animals in their natural habitat,” said Senator Richard Burr in the same press release. “They are one of our many natural state treasures and I am proud to introducelegislationthat will provide for the preservation of these wild-roaming horses that have inhabited North Carolina for hundreds of years.”

Similarlegislationto protect the Corolla horses, introduced by U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, has unanimously passed twice in the House of Representatives but then stalled in theSenate.

The Corolla wild horses are running out of time. The Burr-Tillis amendment represents the last best hope to save this cherished herd and prevent tiny foals like Cordero from suffering as a result of crippling birth defects.

How You Can Help

The Burr-Tillis amendment may come before theSenatefor a floor vote in the next few days. There is not a moment to waste. You can take action by contacting your Senators today.

Originally posted by One Green Planet