Park in the lot. Walk up steps for a stand that you can see the few pony's that are fenced in. They... read more
Park in the lot. Walk up steps for a stand that you can see the few pony's that are fenced in. They... read more
There is free parking and you just walk up a few steps to see the ponies. It’s a easy stop for the... read more
I’m used to seeing wild ponies in natural environments. I’m not used to seeing pens on the side of the road with hay and fences separating the ponies intro small groups. These aren’t wild ponies. They are ponies that are descendants of wild ponies being cared for by the island without being tamed or broken/trained. It’s like driving by the petting zoo.
Right on the road into the village on Ocracoke if you catch the ferry from Hatteras. Fascinating history, and worth a quick stop.
The fact that these wild creatures are penned up is a sad commentary on how we are developing our once treasured open spaced. However, the work the Park Service has done to provide a safe habitat for these animals and provides a space for visitors to learn of the importance of the animals made the short visit worthwhile. Oh, and the beach access across the road is the best!
Even though they are fenced in it was still cool to see them and talk with the Park Service folks. They are fed in the morning and turned out for viewing around noon +/-.
What do you see? "Wild horses" behind a fence on a pasture.
I expected them to be a bit more wild. ;-)
You can stop on your way to or from the ferry but it is not worth a planned visit, better go to Assateague.
We visited the pony pen while visiting Ocacoke. The pens are conviently located just down to from the ferry and on the way to town. There are many theories on just how the ponies got to the Outerbanks. At first you wonder just why the ponies are penned. After reading about them you find out that they were meeting thier demise by being hit by autos. The ponies have been penned since the 50's. They receive Veterinary care to keep them healthy. Remember while visiting the ponies do not feed them.