There's no doubt that 2020 has been a rough year, but the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has something for every horse lover to celebrate. They announced on Facebook that the herd of wild ponies that calls the Outer Banks home has welcomed their first fall foal.
https://www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/photos/pcb.10158803635833330/10158803630453330
While most wild foals are born in spring, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund said they've been hoping for a few fall foals this year. They monitor the herd from afar and rely on residents, volunteers, and even tourists to help them determine when a new life has joined the herd.
This newest wild foal was spotted with its mother earlier this week and seems to be in good health. They haven't gotten close enough to determine the baby's gender, and therefor there's no name yet. The newest addition might go months without getting too close to people as its mother goes into protection mode.
There are, however, a few adorable pictures of the new family.
https://www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/photos/pcb.10158803635833330/10158803630418330/
https://www.facebook.com/corollawildhorses.org/photos/pcb.10158803635833330/10158803630543330
The Facebook post says,
"Right after these pics were taken the family went back into woods. All seem to be in great shape!"
With about 100 wild horses in the herd, every birth is special. A fall foal will need to be strong to make it through the upcoming winter. Its springtime cousins have a head start, but this new foal will be watched closely by mom and other members of their family band.
As the temperatures start to drop, all the Outer Banks horses are busy eating up the last of the year's green grass. As the grass disappears, they'll also start munching on a favorite seasonal food--acorns. Horses don't normally eat acorns, but according to CWHF, the Corolla mustangs have adapted to eat whatever food is available to them, and that includes acorns.
The crowds of tourists are starting to fade, but life goes on for the herd of wild horses. The newest member of the herd is joining the family at the perfect time.