Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks

· Wild Horses are thought to have lived on Shackleford Banks for over 400 years.

· In 1739, a ship load of Arabian horses was documented as having shipwrecked on Shackleford Banks.

· Adaptation to the harsh environment over the years caused the ponies to survive as short, stubby and rugged versions of their forefathers. The ponies are now protected and they are beginning to live longer and grow larger as new generations appear.

· Every summer, there was a “pony pinning” on Shackleford Banks and for some this was the highlight of the season. Guests from the Atlantic Hotel would come by boat to join in the auction of the ponies. Often they would be purchased and taken home for young children by parents and grandparents, because they were often no bigger than large dogs.