News Release
NPS Photo/S.Godin
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: B.G. Horvat, 252-838-8908
HARKERS ISLAND, NC – Cape Lookout National Seashore is pleased to announce the 2025 Horse Sense and Survival tour schedule, led by Resource Manager, Dr. Sue Stuska. The first trip will take place on Saturday, June 21 departing from the Island Express Ferry Service depot in Beaufort, NC at 8:30 A.M. (EDT). Participants will meet at the ferry depot at 8:15 A.M. and return by 12:30 P.M. (EDT).
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 Beaufort and arrive on the sound-side shore of West 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, and navigating in deep sand.
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.
The program is free, but space is limited to twenty participants. Reservations are required and can be made at CALO Wild Horse Reservations. The ferry is $24 for adults & $17 for children (ages 3 - 11). Upon making your reservation for the program with the park, Reserve your ferry ticket(s) at www.islandexpressferryservices.com or by calling (252) 728-7433.
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 2025:
-
Sunday, July 20, Departing Harkers Island for the East-end of Shackleford Banks. Meets at 8:30 A.M. (Return by 1:15 P.M.).
-
Sunday, August 3, Departing Harkers Island for the East-end of Shackleford Banks. Meets at 8:30 A.M. (Return by 1:15 P.M.).
-
Saturday, September 20, Departing Harkers Island for the East-end of Shackleford Banks. Meets at 1:00 P.M. (Return by 5:15 P.M.).
-
October and November programs to be determined. Further information will be provided at the later date.
Last updated: May 30, 2025