(photos and information curtesy of Arkwild/The Abaco Wild Horse Fund website)
The wild horses of Abaco are both unique and beautiful. The thought of horses running wild on the Bahama island of Abaco surely conjour up images of some remote lost paradise were horses run free in some isolated, romantic location. These horses, unfortunately, were hunted to near extinction in the 60's and at the end of the slaughter only 3 remained. One pinto stallion named Castle, and a 2 bay mares Liz, and her filly Jingo. Genetic testing has indicated a strong spanish link, and it is thought that these horses may be spanish barbs. The present day horses of Abaco reside in the area of Bahama Star Farm. Since hurricane Floyd struck this area the horses have stayed in a more confined area due to their regular forest trails being blocked by fallen trees. This has led to many problems because of the limited grazing area and the rich vegitation on the farm. Many of the horses have had Laminitis, some have even died from toxic Laminitis. Many are also obese because of the foilage and small roaming area. No new foals have survived and hardly any have been born since hurricane Floyd. This is why these horses need your help now. There are only 16 left (they had once numbered a little over 30 in the early 90's)and an emergency wild horse preserve has been proposed to help these horses. To find out more about these horses and how you can help out please go the Arkwild website to learn more. Click here to see photos of some of the Abaco horses.
