‘Stallion Wars!’ Tourists warned to stay clear of brawling horses on NC Outer Banks

The annual “stallion wars” are underway on North Carolina’s barrier islands, and tourists are being warned to give the free-roaming horses plenty of room to brawl.

People are not being targeted, but the wild “banker horses” have little regard for rules of fair play as they kick, bite and slam each other.

“Please be aware that this time of year in particular, wild stallions on Shackleford are battling it out for mares, for territory, and for herd dominance,” the Foundation for Shackleford Horses wrote in a Facebook post.

“Things can escalate quickly and without warning. You may be walking along the beach, enjoying horse watching, and oblivious to fact that, just beyond the dune, a stallion is also watching the harem, waiting for his opportunity to gallop over the dune and into the midst of the harem, confront the herd stallion and steal his mares. If you aren’t paying attention, you, your children or your dog could be caught in the fray and potentially injured.”

There are herds of about 100 wild horses at each end of the Outer Banks: one to the north at Corolla and the other on Shackleford Banks, which is part of Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Ordinances require people to stay 50 feet away from the animals. However, wild horses have a mind of their own and will wander among tourists and even linger. In such cases, people are advised to move away.

The seasonal brawls have even been known to break out beside 4X4 vehicles on beaches and even between homes in neighborhoods.

“Don’t position yourself between a stallion and his mares, or a mare and her foal. Always pay attention to your surroundings, particularly noting other horses or herds in the distance and never turn your back on a stallion,” the foundation advises.

“These battles are deadly serious. Winning the battle can mean the difference between a stallion holding onto mares and his prominence in the herd, or being relegated to life as a part of a bachelor band.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2022 at 1:16 PM with the headline "‘Stallion Wars!’ Tourists warned to stay clear of brawling horses on NC Outer Banks."