The Assateague horses have fascinated people of all ages for generations. Assateague is one of the few places in the United States where you can still view wild horses in their natural habitat. While it's not known where they came from, there are many theories that make viewing them all the more interesting.
Assateague island, located on the border of Virginia and Maryland, is divided in two parts. The two states are separated by a large fence that runs from one end to the other. Half of the horses live on one side and the other half live on the other side.
The animals total about three hundred. The herds divide themselves into smaller groups of five to ten horses each. In these smaller groups they live, graze, and mate together.
Both herds are managed by different groups. The Virginia herd is taken care of by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Every year at the Pony Penning festival on Chincoteague island many young males from this herd are auctioned off. This helps to keep the animals at a reasonable number. The proceeds from the auction go towards the maintenance of the animals and the park.
For the Maryland herd, they are managed by the National Park Service. In order to control the population of this herd, a different technique is used. The females are given a contraception vaccine administered by dart, to prevent them from getting pregnant so the population stays at a manageable level.
Human contact can be detrimental to the Assateague horses, who are not accustomed to humans, so viewers must keep their distance. This is not just for the protection of the animals, but also for visitors to the park, as the animals can be unpredictable when startled. The parks on the island are there to protect the populations and keep them safe from outside influences that might cause them harm.
Parks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides are open year round. Bikes and walking are allowed on both sides of the border for no cost, however, if you wish to bring a vehicle there is a small fee. There is also a campground on the Maryland side, as well as proper accommodation, for those people looking to spend a few nights in the park.
Along with the tours available, you can also book weddings and other events. Getting married at the beach with the beautiful horses racing along the nearby shore in the background will make for an unforgettable wedding experience. Or arrange to have your next family reunion in the campground on the Maryland side and your family will remember this one forever.
Visiting the Assateague horses is an experience you will never forget. Seeing them running along the island's shores or grazing along the grasslands is a sight you will not soon forget. Make memories and enjoy a magical experience with family and friends, visit these amazing creatures for the day or weekend.
Assateague island, located on the border of Virginia and Maryland, is divided in two parts. The two states are separated by a large fence that runs from one end to the other. Half of the horses live on one side and the other half live on the other side.
The animals total about three hundred. The herds divide themselves into smaller groups of five to ten horses each. In these smaller groups they live, graze, and mate together.
Both herds are managed by different groups. The Virginia herd is taken care of by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Every year at the Pony Penning festival on Chincoteague island many young males from this herd are auctioned off. This helps to keep the animals at a reasonable number. The proceeds from the auction go towards the maintenance of the animals and the park.
For the Maryland herd, they are managed by the National Park Service. In order to control the population of this herd, a different technique is used. The females are given a contraception vaccine administered by dart, to prevent them from getting pregnant so the population stays at a manageable level.
Human contact can be detrimental to the Assateague horses, who are not accustomed to humans, so viewers must keep their distance. This is not just for the protection of the animals, but also for visitors to the park, as the animals can be unpredictable when startled. The parks on the island are there to protect the populations and keep them safe from outside influences that might cause them harm.
Parks on both the Maryland and Virginia sides are open year round. Bikes and walking are allowed on both sides of the border for no cost, however, if you wish to bring a vehicle there is a small fee. There is also a campground on the Maryland side, as well as proper accommodation, for those people looking to spend a few nights in the park.
Along with the tours available, you can also book weddings and other events. Getting married at the beach with the beautiful horses racing along the nearby shore in the background will make for an unforgettable wedding experience. Or arrange to have your next family reunion in the campground on the Maryland side and your family will remember this one forever.
Visiting the Assateague horses is an experience you will never forget. Seeing them running along the island's shores or grazing along the grasslands is a sight you will not soon forget. Make memories and enjoy a magical experience with family and friends, visit these amazing creatures for the day or weekend.
