Wild horses can still be found in America on Assateague Island off the Virginia Coast. The horses are actually feral (meaning domestic that have gone back to a wild state). Some say they are survivors of a shipwreck during early American settlements. Another theory is they are descendants horses that were bought to the barrier islands in the late 1700s by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation on livestock. Who knows :). Whatever the case, the horses are hardy and survived centuries of stormy weather, scorching heat, poor quality food and abundant mosquitos. They have formed a strong wild horse society. They group together in families of 2 to 12 naturally. Currently only 150 horses are allowed to remain free on the island. If the herd grows to big, the ponies are auctioned off on Pony Penny Day.
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