The Do’s and Don’ts of Seeing the Corolla Wild Horses

Seeing the Corolla wild horses is one of the most unique experiences the Outer Banks has to offer. These beautiful Spanish Mustangs have roamed the northern Outer Banks for hundreds of years, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an experience you won't soon forget.

But as beautiful as they are, it's important to remember that these are wild animals. Following a few simple rules helps keep both the horses and visitors safe while allowing these incredible animals to continue roaming freely.

The Do’s

Do Enjoy Them From a Safe Distance

By law, you are required to stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses. Give them plenty of space and allow them to move freely without feeling threatened or disturbed.

If a horse approaches you, don't try to get closer just because it has closed the distance. The 50-foot rule still applies, and you should give the horse the opportunity to move away on its own.

Do Take Pictures

Bring your camera and take plenty of pictures! One of the best parts of seeing the Corolla wild horses is watching them in their natural environment.

Just remember that getting the perfect photo isn't worth putting yourself or the horses at risk. Stay back and use a zoom lens rather than approaching them.

Do Give Mares and Foals Extra Space

If you see a foal, resist the temptation to get closer for a photo. Young horses need to nurse, rest, and stay close to their mothers without human interference.

Give mares and foals plenty of room and allow them to move around naturally.

Do Keep Your Food and Trash Secured

Do not leave food, coolers, garbage, or other items accessible to the horses. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund warns that improperly disposed trash can be dangerous to the horses.

Keep your food and belongings secured, and always pack out your trash when you leave.

Do Drive Slowly

If you're driving on the beach or along the access paths, slow down and stay alert. Wild horses can appear unexpectedly, and they may not react to vehicles the way a domesticated animal would.

Historically, wild horses have been injured and killed after being struck by vehicles, so slowing down and giving them plenty of room can make a huge difference.

Do Consider Taking a Wild Horse Tour

If it's your first time visiting the area, consider booking a guided wild horse tour. A knowledgeable local guide can help you find the horses while teaching you about their history and the Spanish Mustangs.

It's also a great way to experience Corolla without having to navigate the beach yourself.

Do Bring a Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle

If you plan to explore the area on your own, you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle once you travel north of the paved portion of NC 12.

The horses primarily inhabit the northernmost section of the Outer Banks, commonly known as Corolla,, where there are no paved roads.

Planning ahead is important when visiting Corolla.. Be sure you understand how to safely drive on the beach and come prepared for the conditions.

The Don’ts

Don't Feed the Horses

This is one of the most important rules when visiting the Corolla wild horses.

Human food can make horses sick, and feeding them can cause them to associate people and vehicles with food. This can encourage them to approach cars and people, creating dangerous situations that can ultimately lead to horses being injured or killed.

No matter how friendly a horse may appear, never feed it.

Don't Try to Lure Them Closer

Don't hold out food, call to them, whistle at them, or otherwise try to get them to come toward you.

Currituck County specifically prohibits luring or enticing a wild horse to come within 50 feet. If you want a closer look, use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens instead.

Don't Pet or Touch Them

As tempting as it may be to reach out and pet one, don't.

These horses are wild animals and can bite, kick, or otherwise seriously injure someone. Their behavior can also be unpredictable, even if a horse appears calm or friendly.

Admire them, photograph them, and give them plenty of space, but never attempt to touch them.

Don't Take Selfies With Them

Getting close enough for a selfie almost always means you're violating the 50-foot rule. No photo is worth putting yourself in danger or disturbing the horses.

Take your pictures from a safe distance and let the horses remain in their natural environment.

Don't Chase or Harass Them

Never run after a horse, block its path, honk your horn at it, or try to make it move for a photo.

The horses should be allowed to move freely without interference from people or vehicles. If a horse is in your path, give it time and space rather than trying to force it to move.

Don't Let Your Pet Approach or Chase Them

Keep your pets away from the wild horses and never allow them to chase or harass them.

A dog approaching a horse could cause the horse to become defensive, potentially putting both animals at risk. Be sure to review the rules regarding pets on Outer Banks beaches before your visit.

Read our guide to Outer Banks beach rules for dogs to learn more about the regulations in each town.

Don't Assume They're Tame Because They Don't Run Away

This is probably the most important thing for visitors to understand.

The Corolla wild horses have lived around people and vehicles for generations, so they may seem remarkably calm. They may stand near a vehicle or continue grazing while people are nearby.

That does not mean they are domesticated.

They are still wild animals and should always be treated with caution and respect.

What If a Horse Comes Toward Your Car?

This can be one of the most confusing situations for visitors. What should you do if you're following the rules but a horse approaches your vehicle?

If you can safely back away, give the horse more space. Don't try to get closer just because the horse approached you. The 50-foot rule still applies even when the horse is the one closing the distance.

If you're driving on the beach and horses are nearby, don't try to squeeze between a horse and the dunes or the ocean. Give them time and space to move.

When in doubt, stop, give them room, and let the horses decide where they want to go.

The Easiest Rule to Remember

The rules may seem like a lot to remember, but there's one simple principle that covers almost everything:

If you wouldn't do it to a wild animal, don't do it to a Corolla horse.

Look, don't interact. Keep your distance, secure your food and trash, drive carefully, and let the horses go about their lives undisturbed.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy one of the Outer Banks' most incredible sights while helping protect the Corolla wild horses for generations to come.

‍

‍