Wild Horse on the Tidal Flats - Beaufort NC

Beaufort by the Sea, a small community in eastern North Carolina, has recently been getting a lot of attention as a travel destination. With good food, historic places and a short drive to the Crystal Coast beaches, it's little wonder. Of course the area also offers some wonderful fishing and kayaking opportunities. But perhaps not as well known, there is a herd of wild horse living across the creek that forms the town's waterfront!

The Outer Banks is well known for its wild horses. There are herds located at Coralla, Ocracoke, and Shakleford Banks. A lessor konw, more recently established herd also esixts on Cedar Island. Perhaps even less well known is are the horses living within the boundries of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve. Unlike North Carolina's other coastal horses, which are true Spanish Mustangs, this herd is a mix of domestic breeds and Banker horses.

The islands can be reached by boat, kayak or ferry. When visiting the horses it is important to give them space. It is illegal to get closer than 50 feet to any of these wild animals. That's roughly the length of a school bus. Respect their freedom, recognize their wildness and observe from a safe distance.