Mustangs of the Outer Banks

[Jared Lloyd]

Photographed on the north end of the Outer Banks outside of a little town called Carova - which to get to, you have to drive 10 miles up the beach on the sand. This is the place I call home. We have about 120 wild horses that still roam this stretch of the island.

Genetically isolated for the last 300-500 years, this population of horses is considered to be the oldest group of horses in America. Recent DNA studies have revealed that they only carry 29 alleles - meaning they also have the lowest genetic diversity of any horse living in North America. For this reason, these horses are not considered to be ferral horses like those out west, but instead are their own distinct breed unto themselves known as the Banker Horse (for the Outer Banks).

I took this one while driving up the beach, coming home from work on evening. This stallion came out ontop of the dune line to feed on the sea oats and American beach grass.

Jared
www.JaredLloydphoto.com (http://www.JaredLloydphoto.com)
Photo Journal (http://www.jaredlloydphoto.wordpress.com)

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[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Jared,
What's not to like on this one??? (OK....maybe seeing it in a larger size). The seperation in the feet and the overall simplicity make this for me. Very nice silhouettte and the colors are just great. Even with the head and tail down there is enough seperation to show that he is just going about his business and eating. Thanks for the interesting info too. Nicely done!

[Alfred Forns]

I like it all Jared The sloping hill, strong silhouette, color and overall feel Excellent !!

Thanks for the explanation, no idea about those guys !!!

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Jared,
This is a good one. I like the colours and the nice silhouette. The horse is nicely framed by the dune. Enjoyed reading the info.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Arthur Morris]

Well done as above and yes to larger. Wish that the tail were not half-lost in the grasses. It would have been nice if the animal had raised its tail.... We can always dream.

Do you see many peregrines?

[Robert Amoruso]

Nice comp as mentioned Jared and thanks for the info.

[Jared Lloyd]

Thanks for the compliments and suggestion for next time.

Art, I see quite a few falcons up here ... primarily October through November, but pretty steady until the waterfowl leave with the February or March full moon. After that, relatively hit and miss. Bald eagles even more so.

Jared