Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks Book Signing and Children’s Story Time on Saturday, June 30

Date: June 19, 2007
Contact: Wouter Ketel, [phone] Ext. 3005
Contact: Sue Stuska, [phone] Ext. 3017

Harkers Island, NC.  Cape Lookout National Seashore Acting Superintendent Connie Backlund announces that a book-signing for The Wild Horses of Shackleford Banks will take place at the Harkers Island Visitor Center on Saturday, June 30. Author Carmine Prioli will be available to meet the public and to sign books between 9 a.m.and 3 p.m.The book will be available for sale through Eastern National at the Harkers Island Visitor Centerbook store for $16.95 plus tax.

The book presents a comprehensive overview of the horses, including their possible origins, their continuing relationships with humans, and their hard-won protection within the seashore. The book’s plentiful photographs and illustrations – both archival and contemporary – show why the Shackleford horses are so beloved among Outer Banks residents and visitors. 

The book captures the ongoing relationship between local residents and the Banker Horses. Residents who have been involved with the horses are particularly invited to come and informally share stories and memories on this day.

Wild-born young horses, coming along well in the domestication process, will greet visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Directors of the non-profit Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., will be on hand all day to provide information. The Foundation handles adoptions; Directors will field questions on the procedures, requirements, challenges and rewards of adoption.

At 10 a.m., Dr. Prioli, professor and director of graduate programs in the English Department at North Carolina State University, will give an informal talk targeted to high school and university students. He will share the excitement and challenges of writing in general and producing this book in particular. 

A children’s story about a wild horse on Shackleford (Seabiscuit by Anne Russell) will be read for the young visitors at 1 p.m.

Light refreshments and shade will be available. This event is co-hosted by the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., and Cape Lookout National Seashore.