"Reflections" Corolla Wild Horse 8 by 10 inches Original Watercolor by Linda L Martin Artist $350.00 |
These small horses are sometimes called Banker Horses or Banker Ponies because of their size. Usually they are about the size of a mid-sized pony when running in the wild. The reason they are so small is because of their diet of marsh grasses.Their thin bloated belly appearance is caused by drinking brackish water. In-fact in the whole of the Outer Banks island system there is no fresh water for wild things, except when the occasional rain storm fills in the gathering pools. At one time, before development encroached in to the range of the horses, they also would dig through the sand to find fresh water according to one account of their history.
Unlike the Chincoteague and Assateague ponies in Virginia, Banker Horses are found in solid colors of bay, chestnut, Chestnut with Flaxen Manes and Tails, black, brown, and buckskin. They do, on occasion, have some white markings, sometimes on their faces and/or their legs below the knee. The horses are currently managed by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
Like all the wild horses on the Eastern barrier Islands of the United States, the Corolla herd is not protected under the Wild Horse And Burro Act. To read more about the Corolla herd and what they are doing to have the herd legally protected, you can read about the history and goals here: http://www.corollawildhorses.com/facts-and-history/
Reference photography for tonight's painting provided by Kim Galluzzo.
Linda, this is a great write up! So much still needs to be done to help protect these horses. But, after visiting this past September, I must say they were the healthiest looking I've ever seen them in 5 years going in a row! Thank you again so very much! Words can not express my gratitude to your generosity, in taking the time out of your busy life to do something like this!
ReplyDeleteKim Galluzzo