The Outer Banks Spanish Mustang Ponies
It is believed that the Corolla Wild Horses have roamed the barrier islands of the Outer Banks for the past four centuries. Brought here by early explores, these horses are descendants of Spanish Mustangs.
A proclamation stating that Corolla's Wild Horses are one of North Carolina's most significant historic and cultural resources of the coastal area was signed in 1955 by the North Carolina State Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources. They are a site not to be missed!
Historical Records
The following historical information and records are abridged from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund website. They originate from sailing journals archived in England and Spain and authored by Dale Burrus, a lifelong Outer Banks resident.
Accounts of Spanish explorations and colonization attempts in the early 1500's state that Spanish Barb and Arabian horses were imported. The colony failed and the Spaniards retreated to their stronger holdings in Florida. The circumstances of the retreat, manner of travel and the coastal topography offer a combination of events conducive to the establishment of feral herds along the barrier islands. Present day Corolla wild horses carry the distinguishing features of Spanish type horses. One striking similarity to the Arabian ancestry is the number of vertebra (one less than most breeds) which occurs in the Banker Horse Breed. Their even temperament, endurance, size, and the startling beauty which crops up frequently in the Banker Horses all point strongly to their dramatic history. They are the remnants of once numerous herds of Spanish stock which ran free along the sandy islands of the North Carolina coast. The Spanish Mustang Registry is satisfied that the Banker Horses, in particular the Corolla strain, are as lineally pure to the 16th century Spanish importations as can be found in North America today, and that they compare closely to the selectively bred South American Spanish derivative stock.
Lucas Vasquez de Allyon’s Expeditions
The Spaniards had trouble with the Indians. It seems they were taking Indian children as slaves and sending them to the West Indies. There was a great Indian uprising led by Corees and the Spaniards were forced to flee to stronger Spanish holdings in Florida, leaving behind all their livestock. (Circa 1521)
Richard Greenville’s Expeditions
On June 23 Greenville's expedition encountered the shoals of a headland which they believed to be, and most probably was Cape Fear. Rounding the shoals with difficulty, they anchored the next day in a harbor which is likely to have been that of Beaufort, North Carolina. They were now clearly probing the coast closely. On June 26, they came to an inlet through the Carolina Banks, called Wococon, which is about in the middle of the present Portsmouth Island. Commanders Lane, of Greenville's expedition stated in his journal, that all their ships went aground on the shallow bar, but were floated off without too much difficulty. However, damage to one of the ships caused a severe blow to the intended colony, since all the corn, salt, meal, rice, biscuits, and other provisions were destroyed or damaged by the salt water. Livestock was either lost, or swam ashore. This was a first and salutary example of the dangers which threatened shipping along this most risky stretch of coast.
John Lawson’s Observations: Early 1700’s
A quote from an English historian, John Lawson says, “The horses are well-shaped and swift. The best of them would sell for ten or twelve pounds in England. They prove excellent drudges, and will travel incredible journeys. They are troubled with very few distempers, neither do the cloudy-faced gray horses go blind here as in Europe. As for sprains, splints and ringbones, they are here never met withal, as I can learn.
Were we to have our stallions and choice of mares from England, or any other of a good sort, and careful to keep them on the highlands, we could not fail of a good breed; but having been supplied with our first horses from the neighboring plantations, which were but mean, they do not as yet come up to the Excellency of the English horses; thou we generally find that the colts exceed in beauty and strength...."
Edmund Ruffin’s Report on Banker Horses: Mid-1800’s
Ruffin said that all of the horses in use on the reef, and on many of the nearest farms on the mainland are of these previously wild “banks “horses. He described them as "all of small size, with rough shaggy coats, and long manes; their hoofs in many cases grow to unusual lengths, they are capable of great endurance of labor and hardship, and live so roughly that any others from abroad seldom live a year on such food and other such great exposure. By the same token, he said when the banks horses were removed to the mainland, away from the salt marshes, many die before learning to eat grain or other strange provider, while other injure or kill themselves in struggling in vain efforts to break through the stables or enclosures in which they are subsequently confined. The horses fed entirely on the coarse salt grasses of the marshes and supply their want of fresh water by pawing away the sand deep enough to reach the fresh water which oozes into the excavation, and which reservoir serves for this use while it remains open".
Federal Writers Project: Late 1930’s
In 1939 a book was compiled and written by the Federal Writers Project of the Federal Works Agency Work Projects Administration for the state of North Carolina. They write "On Cape Hatteras, wildlife is abundant. For years herds of wild horses, cattle, and hogs ranged at will, until the Federal Program of Sand Fixation by Grass Plantings necessitated a strict stock law. In 1938, the county placed a bounty on the few remaining wild horses, traditional descendants of Barbary horses brought over by the Raleigh colonists or saved from wrecked Portuguese ships.
Spanish Mustang Registry Observation: Early 1980’s
In more remote areas of the Outer Banks, some of the pure “Banker Horses” were able to survive. In June, 1982, members of the Spanish Mustang Registry came to the Outer Banks and "due to feats of great endurance", were able to observe the last known bands of “Banker Horses” still existing in the natural state as they have been for the past 500 years - on the Currituck Outer Banks.
After all these years on the Banks it seems today the
Wild Horses may disappear from the Outer Banks altogether
Re: Denial of request to allow Corolla wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs to remain at a genetically healthy level.
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The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is the nonprofit organization charged with managing the wild horses on the Currituck Outer Banks.
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A management plan for the wild horse herd was created in 1997 and is reviewed every 5 years. The plan calls for a maximum herd size of 60. Sixty is not a genetically viable number for a wild horse herd. The current herd number is around 100.
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The herd lives on + 12,000 acres, contained between to sound to sea fences that are eleven miles apart.
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Members of the Currituck Outer Banks Wild Horse Advisory Board are: Corolla Wild Horse Fund; Currituck County; USF&W; NC Estuarine Research Reserve; two citizen representatives appointed by the county commissioners.
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USF&W owns a little less than 1/3 of the 12,000 acres, NCERR owns 441 acres. The other 2/3 of the land is privately owned by multiple individuals and limited partnerships.
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The first full time Executive Director and full time Herd Manager were hired in September and July 2006. The management plan was up for the five year review at this time.
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As totally new staff, as yet unfamiliar with the area, the herd, the management plan, the Advisory Board, etc., the new staff made only minor updates to the plan, although as experienced horse people had concerns about the recommended number in the plan.
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CWHF was able to stabilize their finances, institute a darted contraceptive program, add a full time administrative position, create a successful adoption program (32 horses between November 2006 and August 2008), register the horses as Colonial Spanish Mustangs, pull DNA samples via remote dart and hair follicles, create a professional web site, open a Wild Horse Museum and two mission related stores, recruit and train over 40 volunteers, and rescue and rehabilitate seven injured horses - all in less than two years with three staff.
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On January 10, 2008, CWHF Director met with a multi-disciplinary team from North Carolina State University regarding collaboration on an impact study and carrying capacity study on the area defined as a horse sanctuary. A concept paper was developed by NCSU and shared with USF&W and NCERR for comment.
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DNA testing was conducted by Dr. Gus Cothran, Texas A&M University. Dr. Cothran is the leading equine geneticist in the country as well as an expert on feral herds. The preliminary report found the herd to have high levels of inbreeding and a low level of genetic diversity at a herd size of 90.
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CWHF Director presented the findings at the April 16, 2008 Wild Horse Advisory meeting and requested that the herd number be increased to a minimum of 110 based on the DNA findings. The request was denied by USF&W and NCERR.
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A second request was then made for a moratorium on the physical removal of horses until the results of the planned impact and carrying capacity study are known. The darted contraception program would be continued during the moratorium. USF&W and NCERR both agreed. An addendum to the management plan was to be drafted by USF&W and NCERR.
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In early June 2008, CWHF Director received a letter from USF&W and NCERR formally denying both requests and reiterating the need to reduce the herd to 60 by September 2009.
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On July 1, CWHF Director met with USF&W, NCERR, the Nature Conservancy (owns a very small tract of land in the sanctuary) and NCSU regarding the impact/carrying capacity study. USF&W and NCERR insist that the herd must be 60 for one year prior to the study. The study will take and additional two years after that for a total of three years at 60.
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Dr. J. B. Jett, Dean of Research at NCSU, does not agree and feels that the study can and should be done at the current herd size. Computer modeling can then be done to determine impact and capacity at lower and higher numbers than the current herd size. In addition, a similar study was conducted in 1997 with a herd size of 45. Sixty is not a significant increase from 45. Findings at 100 would be of more value.
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A wild horse herd of Colonial Spanish Mustangs also lives on NPS Cape Lookout National Seashore (Shackleford Banks). This herd is managed at 120 – 130 as mandated by the 1997 Shackleford Banks Act (Congressman Walter B. Jones). Their land mass is 3,000 acres. The Corolla horses have 12,000 acres but are to be managed at the genetically unsupportable number of 60.
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A legislative and media event is being planned for October 11th 2008 at Roanoke Festival Park in Manteo, NC. Speakers from the Humane Society of the United States, the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, the Horse of the Americas Registry, and the Equus Survival Trust have been invited. A riding demonstration of formerly wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs is also planned and a professionally produced video will be shown.
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There are 1,000 members of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund nationally.
DCM response to CWHF request 5 28 08
USFW response letter
Mr. Mike Hoff
United States Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Mackay Island Wildlife Refuge
316 Marsh Causeway
P.O. Box 39
Knotts Island, NC 27950
August 5, 2008
RE: Request Regarding Cessation of Horses for Adoption
Dear Mike:
I am in receipt of your letter in response to my April 16th request for a change in the accepted herd number. For the purposes of those reading this correspondence who are not members of the Currituck County Wild Horse Advisory Board, some history regarding the creation of the management plan and the Corolla Wild Horse Fund would be useful before I address the content of your letter.
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The current management plan was first signed in 1999 and it is my understanding after speaking with many of the parties involved, that it was a very contentious process. It is also understood and acknowledged that the maximum herd size of 60 was selected merely as a number that all parties could agree upon as the herd size at the time and was not selected based on any available science.
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The Fund was incorporated as a 501 c 3 not-for-profit in December of 2001. Up to that time, the Fund relied primarily on passionate volunteers with little or no knowledge about horses. Donna and Gene Snow were then hired as part-time co-directors. The Snows were fulltime residents of Chesapeake, VA (about 70 miles from Corolla.) Twenty horses were removed and adopted between 2001 and 2006. (6 to one individual, several to the Snow’s, three to a state park and a few to individuals.) There was no formal management of the herd during that time period.
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I began my position as the first full-time Executive Director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund on September 5, 2006. Steve Rogers, CWHF Herd Manager, was hired in July of 2006. Both of us have extensive professional horse experience. Although we were deeply troubled by the extremely low number mandated by the management plan, as brand new staff, we did not have enough background knowledge about the plan, the area, the horses, the history, or the Advisory Board to make any requests at end of the first five year review period in September of 2006.
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Since September of 2006, our three staff have worked tirelessly to create awareness in the horse community about the incredible intelligence, athletic ability, trainability, and sensible temperament of the wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks. Before our arrival, there was virtually no market for a wild horse. We have formed partnerships with the Humane Society of the United States, the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, the Horse of the Americas registry, and have been featured in Horse Illustrated, Coastal Living, Wildlife Art, Our State, and countless national newspapers and visual media.
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In February of 2007, the Horse of the Americas Registry inspected the wild herd and the horses pulled from the herd for adoption. As a result of that inspection, every horse in the Corolla herd is eligible for registration as a Colonial Spanish Mustang. We have adopted out a record 32 horses and reduced the herd by 42 in the last 22 months, as well as initiating a remotely delivered PZP contraception program.
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The Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustang (the Corolla and Shackleford herds) was recently moved from the threatened to critical category by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust. Both national not-for-profit groups are based in North Carolina. The ALBC tracks the viability of all types of livestock and poultry and the Equus Survival Trust focuses solely on equines. The next category is extinction.
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My first request on April 16th was to increase the herd to a minimum of 110 as recommended by Dr. E Gus Cothran, Texas A & M University equine geneticist and expert on feral herds. This request was made after DNA samples from the herd were taken by Herd Manager Steve Rogers and analyzed by Dr. Cothran. His preliminary report indicated very low genetic diversity and “irreparable genetic harm”. The report also indicated that the only way to prevent further harm is to increase the herd number. This request was denied both by Rebecca Ellin, NCERR, and you on April 16.
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My second request was to ask for a moratorium on the physical removal of horses, while still continuing the contraceptive program, until the results of an impact and carrying capacity study are known. Both you and Rebecca Ellin verbally agreed to this on April 16th. Dan Scanlon, Currituck County Manager suggested that this needed to be put into writing and you and Rebecca indicated that the two of you would put something together. Your letter of May 22 does not represent the conversation that took place. Both citizen representatives, Betty Lane and Connie Johnson, also left the meeting believing that an addendum would be prepared reflecting the agreed upon moratorium.
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Again for the purposes of those not on the Advisory Board, on January 10, I took the initiative to meet with and convince North Carolina State University to partner in an impact and carrying capacity study of the entire area defined as a horse sanctuary by the current management plan. A concept paper was developed by a multidisciplinary team at NCSU and it was shared with Rebecca Ellin and with you. NCSU and the CWHF will be responsible for securing private and public funding for the study from a variety of sources.
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It is also important to note than an NCERR impact study was conducted on the entire “horse sanctuary’ in 1997 by Drs. Reinhardt and Rheinhardt (Eastern Carolina University). The study encompassed 4,619 ha. and was based on a horse population of 45. Results showed that horses consumed few forb species and graminoid species recovered from grazing by early summer. Because rooting impacts by feral hogs may be more severe than horse grazing impacts, the study suggested further exclosure studies. The study pointed to the need for study of horse population ecology for effective management of the herd and their resource base.
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The same study stated, “To maintain a healthy and sustainable population, horse density and availability of habitat must also be considered within the context of horse social structure, population dynamics, and genetic diversity.”
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In a paper entitled, “Management of Horses at the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve,” John Taggert wrote, “Because of the large area these animals roam, they spend relatively little time on the reserve site where less desirable grazing plants grow among the prevailing dune and shrub thicket habitats (Rheinhardt and Rheinhardt, 1997.)”
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Taggert also cited the Rheinhardt study, “Currituck Banks horses have access to a large land area (5,024 ha.) with an array of freshwater wetland and dune habitats associated with a low-salinity estuarine system. These conditions give the animals choices among grazing areas and plant species throughout the year.”
Your letter makes reference to public opinion changing dramatically “when they are personally affected by some negative aspect of animal behavior and population health.” You also make reference to West Nile virus and Equine Encephalitis being well documented as occurring in our area and affecting both humans and horses and “if the Corolla herd became infected followed by human fatalities, public opinion of the herd may change and elected officials could be pressured to seek a drastic resolution to the problem.” It is important to note that the Corolla Wild Horse Fund tests EVERY horse that is removed from the beach for adoption as well as having necropsies performed on deceased horses. There has never been a case of either disease that you reference in the Corolla wild herd. According to Dr. Jim Guy of North Carolina State University, “Eastern equine encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection. Wild birds are the source of infection for mosquitoes, which can then transmit the virus to horses and humans, as well as mules, pheasants, emus and ostriches,” Dr. Guy stresses that eastern equine encephalitis is very rare in humans. In regard to West Nile Virus, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services states: “Transmission: WNV usually lives in wild birds of many different species. Mosquitoes transmit the virus from bird to bird. Occasionally a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird will then bite a human, horse or other mammal and transmit WNV to them. The virus does not multiply enough in horses and humans to be picked up by a mosquito and transmitted to another host so horse-to-horse, horse-to-human or human-to-horse transmission is not likely either.” It seems highly improbable that the Corolla herd would ever pose a threat to humans for the transmission of either disease and is most likely to be spread by wild birds.
Your letter also cites USF&W’s management of imperiled animal populations by removing animals from the wild to initiate captive rearing programs. In regard to your suggestion that breed conservation and the preservation of genetic diversity would be more effective at sites away from the main population, you are correct – if we had no interest in preserving the horses in the wild. That, however, is the heart of our mission.
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The mission of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund is to protect, preserve, and responsibly manage the herd of wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs roaming freely on the northernmost Currituck Outer Banks, and to promote the continued preservation of this land as a permanent sanctuary for horses defined as a cultural treasure by the state of North Carolina.
We currently have two sites designated for offsite breed conservation and plan to develop additional sites. However, the program is in its infancy and is viewed chiefly as a safeguard in the case of a catastrophic weather event. Additionally, I consulted Dr. Phillip Sponenberg, DVM, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Genetics at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Sponenberg writes, “if the herd is to be managed in genetic isolation, then the number 110 is a much better safety net than is the number 60. Sixty is not adequate to maintain much genetic diversity, especially in a herd that has already undergone a bottleneck and has little genetic diversity.”
The primary and most pressing concern should be the preservation and protection of the genetic and physical health of the wild herd and the importance of keeping them wild and free.
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The feral herd of registered Colonial Spanish Mustangs managed by the National Park Service on Shackleford Banks, roams an area of 923 ha., compared to the 5,022 ha. roamed by the Corolla horses. This herd is managed at a number between 120 and 130 as mandated by the 1997 Shackleford Banks Act. The Shackleford horses are genetically the same as the Corolla horses. The Shackleford Banks Act was created to protect the genetic diversity and viability of that herd.
In conclusion, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund is making a request based on available science. The maximum herd size number selected nine years ago was not based on available science. A herd number of sixty is not a genetically viable number. We have a current scientific study that shows irreparable genetic harm at a herd size of 90. We have a similar herd being managed at twice the number called for in the Currituck Outer Banks Management Plan and living on one fifth the range. Both herds have been identified genetically and by a Colonial Spanish breed registry as Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Both herds are identified as endangered and their viability is categorized as critical by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust.
The 1997 Rheinhardt study showed little impact to either the NCERR or the Currituck Wildlife Refuge based on 45. Sixty is only 15 more. Why then can we not conduct the study at a genetically healthy 110 and see what results from that? According to Dr. Jett, NCSU, there is no reason to reduce the herd in advance of the study - we already know what occurs at 45 – little or no impact.
The Management Plan is a living document. When the number 60 was selected, the current genetic study did not exist. To ignore the recommendations and continue to insist on 60 horses is to declare that the fate of the Corolla Colonial Spanish Mustangs is sealed – continued genetic decline and eventual collapse.
Sincerely,
Karen H. McCalpin
Executive Director
RE: Request Regarding Cessation of Horse Removal for Adoption
United States Departn1ent of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Mackay Island and Currituck
National Wildlife Refuges
316 Marsh Causeway PO Box39
Knotts Island, NC 27950
May 22,2008
Ms. Karen McCalpin
Executive Director
Corolla Wild Horse Fund
P.O. Box 361 Corolla, North Carolina 27927
Dear Ms. McCalpin,
On April 16, 2008, near the conclusion of our Quarterly Advisory Board Meeting we were requested to provide comment on a request from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund (CWHF) to stop removing horses for adoption, a requirement of the Currituck Outer Banks Wild Horse Management Plan. It is my intention that this letter will meet the conditions of this request.
First I must apologize for previously not taking the time to examine our files, or adequately study issues regarding horses on the refuge with the attention needed to provide a more rapid response to this request. Fortunately, this request has given me the opportunity to research our policies, laws, and directives, with enough detail to understand the potential impacts that the cessation of removing horses for adoption could have to refuge resources.
Given our conversation at the last meeting it is apparent that the request to stop removing horses for adoption is the result of a genetics study citing the horse herd should be held at 90 horses. CWHF mentioned that the Corolla strain of horses has been given the most critical status that can be given to a horse population. The u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service is no stranger to managing imperiled animal populations. One of our most successful techniques is to remove animals from the wild and initiate captive rearing programs. This approach protects the genetic diversity and separates the populations into different geographical locations to protect the population from catastrophic loss. The adoption program established by the CWHF is designed perfectly to meet both of these goals for managing imperiled species.
Our experience has shown that public opinion of wildlife can change dramatically when they are personally affected by some negative aspect of animal behavior or population health. County, state, and federal officials place human health and safety as a number one priority. West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis are well documented as occurring in our area and affect both humans and horses. If the Corolla herd became infected followed by human fatalities, public opinion ofthe herd may change and elected officials could be pressured to seek a drastic resolution to the problem. Again, given the
effectiveness of the adoption program, preservation of genetic diversity at sites away from the main population virtually ensures the continuance of Corolla horses.
Recently, we entered into an agreement with the CWHF where we provided additional funding for the management of the Corolla horse herd. This agreement expires September 30, 2009, at which time we will assess whether the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement were met. Successful performance, as specified in the agreement, occurs when the herd "approximates 60." We are committed to do our part in managing the Corolla horse herd, but failure to comply with this agreement will effectively eliminate our ability to secure future funding. Conversely, securing funding for future work may be easier when we can demonstrate successful past performance. Given the target outlined in the Horse Management Plan and the successful performance measures in this agreement, the herd must be reduced to 60.
In preparation for the proposed impact study, this number must be achieved as quickly as possible. To achieve more precise impact results habitats must be given time to stabilize before the study begins. Additionally, the herd must remain stable throughout the course of the study. Continuation of an effective removal for adoption program is necessary to meet these needs because it is unlikely that birth control alone can meet all ofthese objectives given the timeframe at which this study is likely to start.
Sincerely,
~K
.I
Michael J. Hoff Refuge Manager Currituck National Wildlife Refuge
Cc: Mike Bryant, USFWS Pete Jerome, USFWS Brett Hunter, USFWS Aaron McCall, TNC Corolla Wild Horse Advisory Committee
RE: Requests regarding population of the Corolla Wild Horse herd
Ms. Rebecca Ellin
Manager
NC Coastal Reserve and
National Estuarine Research Reserve
400 Commercial Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557
August 5, 2008
Dear Rebecca:
I am in receipt of your letter in response to my April 16th request for a change in the accepted herd number. You are correct in your understanding of my two requests, however, the majority of the wild horse committee has a different recollection of the April 16th answer to the second request.
Before I address that outcome and for the purposes of those reading this correspondence who are not members of the Currituck County Wild Horse Advisory Board, some history regarding the creation of the management plan and the Corolla Wild Horse Fund would be useful.
-
The current management plan was first signed in 1999 and it is my understanding after speaking with many of the parties involved, that it was a very contentious process. It is also understood and acknowledged that the maximum herd size of 60 was selected merely as a number that all parties could agree upon as the herd size at the time and was not selected based on any available science.
-
The Fund was incorporated as a 501 c 3 not-for-profit in December of 2001. Up to that time, the Fund relied primarily on passionate volunteers with little or no knowledge about horses. Donna and Gene Snow were then hired as part-time co-directors. The Snows were fulltime residents of Chesapeake, VA (about 70 miles from Corolla.) Twenty horses were removed and adopted between 2001 and 2006. (6 to one individual, several to the Snow’s, three to a state park and a few to individuals.) There was no formal management of the herd during that time period.
-
I began my position as the first full-time Executive Director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund on September 5, 2006. Steve Rogers, CWHF Herd Manager, was hired in July of 2006. Both of us have extensive professional horse experience. Although we were deeply troubled by the extremely low number mandated by the management plan, as brand new staff, we did not have enough background knowledge about the plan, the area, the horses, the history, or the Advisory Board to make any requests at end of the first five year review period in September of 2006.
-
Since September of 2006, our three staff have worked tirelessly to create awareness in the horse community about the incredible intelligence, athletic ability, trainability, and sensible temperament of the wild horses of the Currituck Outer Banks. Before our arrival, there was virtually no market for a wild horse. We have formed partnerships with the Humane Society of the United States, the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign, the Horse of the Americas registry, and have been featured in Horse Illustrated, Coastal Living, Wildlife Art, Our State, and countless national newspapers and visual media.
-
In February of 2007, the Horse of the Americas Registry inspected the wild herd and the horses pulled from the herd for adoption. As a result of that inspection, every horse in the Corolla herd is eligible for registration as a Colonial Spanish Mustang. We have adopted out a record 32 horses and reduced the herd by 42 in the last 22 months, as well as initiating a remotely delivered PZP contraception program.
-
The Banker strain of Colonial Spanish Mustang (the Corolla and Shackleford herds) was recently moved from the threatened to critical category by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust. Both national not-for-profit groups are based in North Carolina. The ALBC tracks the viability of all types of livestock and poultry and the Equus Survival Trust focuses solely on equines. The next category is extinction.
-
My first request on April 16th was to increase the herd to a minimum of 110 as recommended by Dr. E Gus Cothran, Texas A & M University equine geneticist and expert on feral herds. This request was made after DNA samples from the herd were taken by Herd Manager Steve Rogers and analyzed by Dr. Cothran. His preliminary report indicated very low genetic diversity and “irreparable genetic harm”. The report also indicated that the only way to prevent further harm is to increase the herd number. This request was denied both by Mike Hoff, USF&W and you on April 16.
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My second request was to ask for a moratorium on the physical removal of horses, while still continuing the contraceptive program, until the results of an impact and carrying capacity study are known. Both you and Mike Hoff verbally agreed to this on April 16th. Dan Scanlon, Currituck County Manager suggested that this needed to be put into writing and you and Mike indicated that the two of you would put something together. Your letter of May 28 does not represent the conversation that took place. Both citizen representatives, Betty Lane and Connie Johnson, also left the meeting believing that an addendum would be prepared reflecting the agreed upon moratorium.
-
Again for the purposes of those not on the Advisory Board, on January 10, I took the initiative to meet with and convince North Carolina State University to partner in an impact and carrying capacity study of the entire area defined as a horse sanctuary by the current management plan. A concept paper was developed by a multidisciplinary team at NCSU and it was shared with both Mike Hoff of USF&W and you. NCSU and the CWHF will be responsible for securing private and public funding for the study from a variety of sources.
-
It is also important to note than an NCERR impact study was conducted on the “horse sanctuary’ in 1997 by Drs. Reinhardt and Rheinhardt (Eastern Carolina University). The study encompassed 4,619 ha. and was based on a horse population of 45. Results showed that horses consumed few forb species and graminoid species recovered from grazing by early summer. Because rooting impacts by feral hogs may be more severe than horse grazing impacts, the study suggested further exclosure studies. The study pointed to the need for study of horse population ecology for effective management of the herd and their resource base.
-
The same study stated, “To maintain a healthy and sustainable population, horse density and availability of habitat must also be considered within the context of horse social structure, population dynamics, and genetic diversity.”
-
In a paper entitled, “Management of Horses at the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve,” John Taggert wrote, “Because of the large area these animals roam, they spend relatively little time on the reserve site where less desirable grazing plants grow among the prevailing dune and shrub thicket habitats (Rheinhardt and Rheinhardt, 1997.)”
-
Taggert also cited the Rheinhardt study, “Currituck Banks horses have access to a large land area (5,024 ha.) with an array of freshwater wetland and dune habitats associated with a low-salinity estuarine system. These conditions give the animals choices among grazing areas and plant species throughout the year.”
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Your letter cites the need for NCNERR to provide “consistent management of both the Currituck Banks and Rachel Carson components” in regard to feral horses. The environment of Carrot Island component is drastically different than that of the Currituck Outer Banks. The Rachel Carson site has 236 ha. The Currituck Banks feral horses have access to approximately a total of 5,024 ha., with the NCERR component equaling 386 ha. of the total 5,024. It is neither sensible or rational to approach the management of the Carrot Island horses and the Corolla horses in the same way considering the dramatic differences in their environment. I refer not just to the size of the land mass but to it’s geographic features.
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“While the Currituck Banks has numerous perennial fresh water sources, this is not true for the Rachel Carson site. There, fresh water is in limited supply most of the year . . . Horse groups or harems often take turns when water is especially scarce and competition can result in some animals having little or no access.” (Stevens, 1986,1987) The range and availability of food and fresh water is over 20 times greater on the total Currituck Outer Banks site than the Rachel Carson site.
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The feral herd of Colonial Spanish Mustangs managed by the National Park Service on Shackleford Banks, roams an area of 923 ha. This herd is managed at a number between 120 and 130 as mandated by the 1997 Shackleford Banks Act and the Shackleford horses are genetically the same as the Corolla horses. The Shackleford Banks Act was created to protect the genetic diversity and viability of that herd.
In conclusion, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund is making a request based on available science. The maximum herd size number selected nine years ago was not based on available science. A herd number of sixty is not a genetically viable number. We have a current scientific study that shows irreparable genetic harm at a herd size of 90. We have a similar herd being managed at twice the number called for in the Currituck Outer Banks Management Plan and living on one fifth the range. Both herds have been identified genetically and by a Colonial Spanish breed registry as Colonial Spanish Mustangs. Both herds are identified as endangered and their viability is categorized as critical by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust.
The 1997 Rheinhardt study showed little impact to either the NCERR or the Currituck Wildlife Refuge based on 45. Sixty is only 15 more. Why can we not then conduct the study at a genetically healthy 110 and see what results from that? According to Dr. Jett, NCSU, there is no reason to reduce the herd, we already know what occurs at 45.
The Management Plan is a living document. When the number 60 was selected, the current genetic study did not exist. To ignore the recommendations and continue to insist on 60 horses is to declare that the fate of the Corolla Colonial Spanish Mustangs is sealed – continued genetic decline and eventual collapse.
Sincerely,
Karen H. McCalpin
Executive Director