Wild Horse Rescued by Cooperation of NPS, FSH and CI-SHA

Date: July 7, 2010

Contact: Wouter Ketel, (2520 728-2250 Ext. 3005

Harkers Island, NC -- Cape Lookout National Seashore Superintendent Russel J. Wilson announced that a wild horse was pulled from a hole and rescued by a combined effort of the National Park Service (NPS), Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc. (FSH), and Cedar Island-Shackleford Horse Association (CI-SHA).

A two-year-old horse from the Shackleford Banks herd was found trapped at a dry water hole on the east end of the island on June 8. The hole had been dug by the wild horses to reach drinking water, but was dry at the time. NPS Wildlife Biologist manager of the herd, Dr. Sue Stuska, happened to find the filly during a routine census. 

It was not clear how the horse had gotten into the hole. She had exhausted herself and injured her eye while struggling unsuccessfully to get out. When pulled from the hole, she pawed weakly but could not stand. She was exhausted enough to permit handling. Her legs were wrapped and her head and eyes were protected for transportation by the NPS.

Carolyn Mason, President of the park’s horse management partner, the FSH, met the group on Harkers Island for the next part of the journey. Woody Hancock of the CI–SHA transported the filly by horse trailer to the FSH holding facility.

The FSH is providing a home and veterinary care for the filly. Horses removed from the seashore are available for adoption though the FSH. Although this filly has already been spoken for, other horses are currently available.  Adoptions are handled on a first-come basis. There are facility requirements and an adoption fee. FSH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

For more information and/or an adoption application contact Anita Kimball at [phone] or, after 6:00 p.m., Joy Lawrence at [phone], or www.shacklefordhorses.org. To make an appointment to see the available horses, contact Anita Kimball (above) or Carolyn Mason at [phone]. In Florida, contact Bob Cubbage at [phone].