Shackleford Banks is unique among the banks off North Carolina. At the end of 2024, 119 wild colonial Spanish Mustangs roamed there. 39% were male and 61% were female. 14 foals were born that year. They were designated the North Carolina State horse in 2010.

A dedicated group monitor these horses. We're know in park service lingo as Volunteers in Park and help the Wildlife Biologist of the Cape Lookout National Seashore with the endeavor. One is a veterinarian, another is a tour guide and I am a local captain. Our goal is to produce an accurate and current Master Harem Sightings Summary. We identify each horse using sex, color, markings, whorls, mane position and some horses have brands. Each horse has a designation.

The typical day starts on Harkers Island at 0830. We are briefed, gather supplies and board a park service boat to Shackleford Banks. Once we arrive the equipment is prepared and we depart for our designated areas. Our sightings are documented using written notes, voice notes and geotagged images. We observe health conditions, activities, interactions and social structure. Dams and offspring are recorded. Attrition is documented and examined. Water and food sources are tracked.

Individual Harem Sightings Summaries are submitted to the park service. The Master Harem Sightings Summary is maintained by these submissions. We endeavor to go out once a week the entire year.

The data we gather is integral for the Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Foundation for the Shackleford Horses to make informed management decisions on this treasured resource.