Wild Ponies Of Assateague Island
Nov 22, 2011 22:44:24 #
Amazing herd of wild ponies on Assateague National Seashore in Maryland. Theyre descendants of ancient herds hidden from the tax collectors at low tide by our pre-Revolutionary War ancestors. If you're ever in Ocean City you're only 8 miles from here (US 50) and would never know it. If you're on US 13 headed to or from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel, its worth the 25 mile detour. Free entry (unless you wanna drive on the dunes) and theyre tended and protected by the US Parks and Wildlife Rangers. In winter they graze and forage the brush, in summer they run in the surfline and roam the dunes.
Critique Welcome....Please ask before editing.
Critique Welcome....Please ask before editing.
Nov 22, 2011 22:56:43 #
The first one looks like our old pony Star. He was a 13 1//2 hand American Standard Shetland - or at least that's what we were told. He had a dun stripe down his back also. Wonderful pony - liked to play tag with a local buck. Our oldest daughter taught him how to play and he apparently taught the buck - my husband saw them on morning acournd 3a.m. - set all the local dogs to barking. :)
Nov 23, 2011 08:09:54 #
judy juul
Loc: Cheshire, Ct.
We spent a week camping on Assateague Island. It was a great experience! Ponies woke us up one night chomping on grass right next to the tent! Beautiful, unspoiled Island,lots of water foul.
Nov 23, 2011 14:42:40 #
been to Asateague Island many times, to see the ponies, here are a few wild ponies form Baltimore.
Nov 23, 2011 14:43:07 #
been to Asateague Island many times, to see the ponies, here are a few wild ponies from Baltimore.
Nov 23, 2011 14:54:11 #
wrrea wrote:
been to Asateague Island many times, to see the ponies, here are a few wild ponies from Baltimore.
wreea,
These are obviously wintered well also. Now there's a "herd" I'd love to see running hard in the surfline. :thumbup:
Nov 23, 2011 15:42:49 #
Nov 24, 2011 02:27:45 #
wrrea wrote:
been to Asateague Island many times, to see the ponies, here are a few wild ponies from Baltimore.
This would be a great subject in a new thread with your own postings. (hint, hint-----this is called "hijacking" and we've been asked by the Admin. not to do it.)
Nov 25, 2011 08:17:37 #
my apologies to the original poster, only intended to inject some humor.
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Nov 25, 2011 08:27:04 #
wrrea wrote:
my apologies to the original poster, only intended to inject some humor.
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Yep, ok, we got the humor. Here's the not-so-subtle point I was trying to make (forgive my bluntness): this isn't your thread. We are asked (by Admin.) not to post anything in someone else's thread unless specifically invited to do so. I saw a request for critique, that's it, nothing more.
Sorry to harp on this but I figure we don't know if we're stepping on toes (or continuing to do so) unless someone lets us know.
Nov 25, 2011 08:30:17 #
wrrea wrote:
my apologies to the original poster, only intended to inject some humor.
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Attached are more wild ponies form Assateague
Wrrea,
I was absolutely NOT offended by your post. I get the objection to 'hijacking' but I also love sarcasm, humor and playfulness. I got your connection exactly and if you notice, I went with it. And while I appreciate that some here might need assistance to say if they are displeased with something, I am not one of them and would make it clear if there was something I objected to.... Of course I'd be professional about my words, but you'd know :hunf: Dont sweat the small stuff friend.
Rocco
Nov 25, 2011 13:59:35 #
rocco_7155 wrote:
quote=wrrea my apologies to the original poster, ... (show quote)
Sorry for my intrusion, honest! I try to respect the site as UHH Admin. established it and I get picky about rules. Won't happen again.
Good you spoke up.
Nov 25, 2011 14:19:09 #
SnapHappy,
Truly not a problem at all. I wasnt speaking of you as much as speaking in general. I too think we should respect Admin even on those occasions we disagree. But there are many things that happen that just arent worth cooking an ulcer over. I dont stop talking to my friends when they stumble or poke at me....and I consider most of you all unmet friends!
Roc
Truly not a problem at all. I wasnt speaking of you as much as speaking in general. I too think we should respect Admin even on those occasions we disagree. But there are many things that happen that just arent worth cooking an ulcer over. I dont stop talking to my friends when they stumble or poke at me....and I consider most of you all unmet friends!
Roc
Nov 25, 2011 14:23:42 #
Rocco, it's always been my dream to see the ponies "swim" to the mainland. These are fantastic photos, just how close were you able to get to these ponies before spooking them?
Nov 25, 2011 15:34:05 #
Well one of 'em bit my um, er....thigh....how close is that? :roll:
The rules are that you cant touch or feed them. Unfortunately, the "touristas" roll down windows and feed them Cheetos and stuff, so they are fearless. I was walking briskly to my truck and he just kept coming and nipped my backside and when I closed the truck door he tugged at the side mirror.
Most of the day I was within a half dozen steps or so. When they munch the grass, you can feel the vibration in the ground. The big roundup with real cowboys takes place every year on the Virginia side of the island (Chincoteague) and the proceeds benefit the local fire department. It is sanctioned by the government and has been going on since the 40s. That herd is bigger and they "drive" them through the surf to the pens. The herd at Assateague is about 60 horses and are never captured, penned (unless they are determined to need vet care) or sold.
Its worth the trip, the photo ops are close and candid.
Camping, canoeing, beaches are available in the park. An RV park is about 3 miles away on the same road and there are many hotels within 7-8 miles. Ocean City (8 miles away)has a great boardwalk , beaches and attractions too.
I'd recommend you go a bit "offseason" to have time and less intrusion into your shots. These were taken in March, April, and May.
The rules are that you cant touch or feed them. Unfortunately, the "touristas" roll down windows and feed them Cheetos and stuff, so they are fearless. I was walking briskly to my truck and he just kept coming and nipped my backside and when I closed the truck door he tugged at the side mirror.
Most of the day I was within a half dozen steps or so. When they munch the grass, you can feel the vibration in the ground. The big roundup with real cowboys takes place every year on the Virginia side of the island (Chincoteague) and the proceeds benefit the local fire department. It is sanctioned by the government and has been going on since the 40s. That herd is bigger and they "drive" them through the surf to the pens. The herd at Assateague is about 60 horses and are never captured, penned (unless they are determined to need vet care) or sold.
Its worth the trip, the photo ops are close and candid.
Camping, canoeing, beaches are available in the park. An RV park is about 3 miles away on the same road and there are many hotels within 7-8 miles. Ocean City (8 miles away)has a great boardwalk , beaches and attractions too.
I'd recommend you go a bit "offseason" to have time and less intrusion into your shots. These were taken in March, April, and May.
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