The Outer Banks, barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, are home to some unlikely animals. Horses descended from Spanish mustangs have been living wild here for hundreds of years. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society. The Atlantic Ocean is a five minute boat ride, and a 3434-foot airstrip is just minutes away. North Carolina Horses at NC stable are falling ill at alarming rate from mystery illness, owners say By Hayley Fowler. Official Tourism Authority for Dare County’s Outer Banks 1 Visitors Center Circle, Manteo, NC 27954 Phone: (877) 629-4386 To survive on these islands, the horses dig for freshwater and swim from island to island … Experience a profound sense of freedom and adventure. Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, Horse Island, and Middle Marshes make up the 2,315-acre/938-ha Rachel Carson North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of 27 reserves around the country designated for research, education, and stewardship.The four reserves in North Carolina represent the diversity of habitats in the state's estuarine ecosystems. Coastal horseback riding with an experienced guide is a not-to-be-missed experience on the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of very few places in America where wild mustangs still roam free, stubbornly surviving in this once remote coastal environment.Descended from spanish mustangs which arrived close to 500 years ago, these hardy, tenacious wild horses have lived here since the earliest explorers and shipwrecks. Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island. Little Horse Island This incredible 7.5 acre private island is located outside of historic Beaufort, South Carolina, nestled between Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah. The rides are delightful and invigorating, and help to connect guests with Hatteras Island’s beautiful natural surroundings.