The highlight of our Hatteras vacation is always a stop at Ocracoke Island and what makes it more exciting is a stop at the corral to see the small herd of mustang ponies. Known as the Banker Horse, these wild mustangs are said to have been descendants of the Spanish Galleon shipwrecks. Their story dates back to 1565 when it was believed that the arrival of a ship from Spain, the Tiger, ran aground off of the coast of North Carolina. The captain of the ship unloaded the livestock overboard to lighten its load and the horses swam to shore. Their presence on Ocracoke Island was recorded in the 1730s when settlers first noticed them. They were also found on the Hatteras islands as far north as Corolla and Nag’s Head.
As settlers continued to populate the coast of the Outer Banks, they captured the Banker Horse to tame them. Soon the locals were racing the mustangs to see which horse was the fastest. Eventually race tracks were created such as Jockey’s Ridge, southwest of the great sand dune at Nag’s Head beach. The grandstands were built into the sand dunes which drew thousands of people to its site. These races continued for several years, but today, most of these ponies reside on Ocracoke Island, protected as an endangered animal species.
By 1959, the Ocracoke ponies were secured by a fenced in property of 180 acres. As tourism grew on the island and NC Highway 12 was completed, the horses were in danger of auto traffic and the National Park Service took action to provide shelter for them.
Scientific studies have confirmed that the Ocracoke herd of ponies exhibit the same DNA matching those of the Spanish Mustangs (the Q-ac genetic marker) and have similar physical attributes. Such traits include their small height which measures anywhere from 52 to 59 inches, compact frames, a short back and smaller legs. They are also known to have wide foreheads and strong, short necks. Their ability to carry heavy weight is due to their increased bone density which is five to ten times greater than the average horse.
The Bankers’ diet consists mainly of grass, bulrush, sea oats and maritime forest, which would eventually have an impact on the ecology of the islands. While many assumed it was the result of overgrazing, additional research determined that it was the horses’ hooves that were damaging the vegetative growth. The horses, relying on pools of rainwater to drink, were known to “dig” with their hooves to reach surface water from 2.5 to 4 feet deep. For this reason, the park system does not shoe the ponies.
Protected by the National Park Service, these ponies are feral and although they have a docile temperament, petting them is prohibited. The Park Service provides scheduled talks at the Ocracoke pony pen for those who want to see the Bankers and learn more about their history. There is also an opportunity to “Adopt A Pony” with a small donation. Donors will receive a photo of the horse they have adopted, an adoption certificate and summary of the pony’s history. The charitable gift will help to feed the horses and contribute to their health care.
Have you visited the Ocracoke ponies? I would be happy to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about the beautiful Bankers on Ocracoke and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Where to Stay:
The Castle B&B
155 Silver Lake Drive
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Telephone: 252 928 3505
Where to Eat:
SMacNally’s Bar & Grill
180 Irvin Garrish Highway
Ocracoke, NC 27960
Telephone: 252 928 9999
There were several restaurant options, but we wanted a restaurant along the water. A menu full of fried food, I had to try the Shrimp Po’Boy which came with fries. We also decided to add the hushpuppies and coleslaw to our order, which were absolutely delicious!
What to Eat:
- Seafood along Irvin Garrish Highway for large shrimp in July when they are in season. You can purchase them either plain or seasoned. Check out Ocracoke Seafood Company at 416 Irvin Garrish Highway.
What to Read:
- Blackbeard the Pirate: A Reappraisal of His Life and Times, by Robert Earl Lee
Photo Guide for Ocracoke Island
- The Outer Banks Scenic Highway that runs along the island for photos of the wild mustangs
- Ocracoke Harbor
- Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
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