News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore Announces the August Horse Sense and Survival Tour

Date: August 13, 2019
Contact: B.G. Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce the next chance to join the Horse Sense and Survival tour with Resource Manager, Dr. Sue Stuska.  This trip will take place on Saturday, August 24 out of the Harkers Island Visitor Center at 7:45 a.m.  Participants will return to the Harkers Island dock at 12:15 p.m.
 
Dr. Sue’s intimate knowledge of the horses makes for an exciting and enlightening glimpse into the relationships, behavior, and survival of these wild animals. Participants will gain an appreciation of all that can be gleaned while watching from a distance. They will understand how to determine an appropriate position and distance for watching that doesn’t affect the horses’ natural behaviors.
 
“This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness and begin to understand the wild horses,” said Superintendent Jeff West.  “The Shackleford horses are truly a unique aspect of what makes Cape Lookout National Seashore a special place.”
 
Participants will ride the ferry from Harkers Island and arrive on the soundside shore of East Shackleford Banks, where they will walk a moderate-level trek off the beaten path to find horses and settle down to watch them.  Come prepared for a day in the sun, climbing dunes, walking through brush, slogging through ankle-deep mud and wading through deeper salt water.      
 
Make the most of your excursion by coming prepared.  Shoes that protect your feet and stay on in the mud are required.  It is strongly recommended to bring water, lunch/snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, sun hat, binoculars, and camera with a telephoto lens in a daypack or shoulder bag.
 
Space on the tours is limited and reservations are required.  The program is free; the ferry is $17 for adults & $10 for children (11 and under).
 
For reservations and to ask individual questions, call the park at 252-728-2250, ext. 0.  For more information, including meeting places, times, and ferry costs, see http://go.nps.gov/horsewatch.   
 
Additional Horse Sense and Survival Tours for 2018:

• Saturday, September 28, Departing Harkers Island for the East End of Shackleford Banks.  Meets at 7:45 a.m. (Return by 12:15 p.m.).
• Saturday, October 26, Departing Harkers Island for the East End of Shackleford Banks.  Meets at 8:45 a.m. (Return by 1:15 p.m.).

Saturday, November 9, Departing Beaufort Information Center for the West End of Shackleford Banks.  Meets at 8:30 a.m. (Returns by 1:00 p.m.).