From Whence They Cometh

We are developing a rather large herd of Corollas that were born in the wild. Those who have not been following the story of the Corollas closely might not understand why horses are removed from a herd that teeters on the brink of extinction.

The first point to understand is that after one of these horses has potentially been exposed to normal equine diseases it cannot return to the wild. The Corollas have grown up in isolation for so long that they likely do not have immunities to run of the mill equine illnesses. Though the risk is small, we cannot risk introducing what could be a sickness that erases every horse left in the wild.

Secondly, one of the greatest threats that face the wild Corollas is to be hit by a car after swimming out of the 4-WD area and into Virginia Beach or the town of Corolla. Horses that learn to do so quickly become repeat offenders. If such horses are lead mares or breeding stallions, others will likely follow them.

Lastly, horses that become either too "friendly" or hostile because they have been fed by tourists have to be removed for their own safety.

Of all of the Corollas at my place only, Skyco, Emily's little Corolla, was adopted as part of the old herd management program.

In short, each of these horses were stones that the builders rejected yet they make up the strongest of corner stones for the off site breeding program.

Croatoan, Red Feather, and Swimmer were all removed because they were escape artists. Croatoan was also in very poor health.

Valor was discovered nearly dead and was so weak when she came to our place that she could not fully raise her head. Porter and Samson had serious flesh wounds as colts and had to be removed for treatment. Manteo had to have surgery for a stifle lock. Trade Wind was absolutely crippled from founder. Secotan gave birth to a foal that required immediate medical attention. And, of course, Edward Teach had received what surely would have been a life ending injury to his neck.

All of those horses are now quite healthy. Trade Wind shows not a hint of lameness. Valor lived. Secotans foal is fine. Porter and Samson healed completely and Edward Teach is alive and well.

Baton Rouge, shown above, was removed because she was a threat to humans, with a strong propensity to bite. The foal with her is Mokete, the first pure Corolla produced in the offsite breeding program. This spring I expect that have three more foals born of this program.