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Contact: Carolyn Cummins, 443-359-6689
One of the world famous Assateague wild horses was recently named by Danielle Barnard, the winner of the third annual 'Name That Horse' contest conducted by the Assateague Island Alliance. Danielle's name was selected in a random drawing by Amelia & Oliva Cox, who were visiting Assateague Island National Seashore with their parents for the first time. Every year from April through September, visitors to the National Seashore have the opportunity to enter the 'Name that Horse' contest where the lucky winner gets to name one of the island's wild horses. Danielle was surprised and excited to have won. She named the mare Aliyana Grace. She said "I have researched the history of the ponies and was very intrigued by the Spanish galleon folklore so I would like to give her a Spanish name". Aliyana means "beautiful girl" in Spanish. Danielle's mother, Penni, said the family would be visiting the Seashore over Columbus Day weekend and Daneille would be searching the Island for the mare. There is only one other way to name an Assateague wild horse. Every November & December the right to name one of that year's foals is auctioned off on eBay with the highest bidder getting to name a foal. This year there will be 3 auctions, beginning November 8, each auction lasting 2 weeks each, with the final auction ending on December 20th. Both the NAME THAT HORSE and NAME THAT FOAL contests are conducted by the Assateague Island Alliance, a non-profit friends group for Assateague Island National Seashore. Proceeds are used for the benefit of the Park. More information about the Assateague Island Alliance and the contests is available at www.assateaguewildhorses.org. - AIA - |
Last updated: February 26, 2015