The southern Appalachian Trail boasts stunning scenic views, gorgeous water features, and an ecosystem teeming with life. Boasting over 2000 miles of marked footpaths across 14 states it is a popular destination for avid walkers, nature lovers, and those who like to trail ride. However, did you know that hiding away in Southern Virginia are a herd of wild ponies?
Within close range to Mount Rogers and the infamous Whitetop Mountain of Virginia Grayson Highlands State Park offers unique and stunning views of these monolithic alpine-like peaks. This State Park is horse friendly, boasting a full campground, stables, and plenty of horse friendly trails. But what really sets this park apart from other horse friendly locations is the chance to encounter a very special herd of wild ponies.
This unique population of over 100 ponies has a mysterious history, with many theories regarding their existence. One idea is that they are a product of local ranchers’ efforts to create a small hardy breed that would be able to survive the sometimes harsh life of the Appalachian Mountains. With many historians of the area believing that they first arrived on the mountains in the 1940s, this “Wild” population is a relatively recent introduction, and there is often fierce debate whether wild herds that result in this manner can truly be considered wild. Regardless of the vocabulary used to describe these herds it doesn’t take away from the romantic notion of ponies running free on the mountain range, but the history of these wild herds help us better understand them and their effect on the ecosystem.
Since the National Forest takeover in the 1960s productive efforts have been made to manage and preserve the ecosystem these adorable feral ponies rely on. In the 1970s the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association was founded with the mission to help manage and maintain the herd and grassy areas they graze. Every autumn the ponies are rounded up for a yearly wellness check, and with no real natural predators a selection of the ponies (often young males) are thinned out of the herd to be sent to auction, which helps to keep the population in balance.
During the rest of the year the ponies are left to enjoy being wild ponies, and can be found munching away on the grasslands surrounding their homes. Visitors and pony enthusiasts are welcome to enjoy the park, and admire the ponies from a distance. The park encourages its visitors to enjoy the presence of the ponies in their beautiful surroundings, and even take the occasional fun photo. By remaining respectful of these wild ponies, and abiding by the park’s rules of no feeding, petting, or interfering with the ponies during their daily routines, this special phenomenon can be preserved for the generations to come.
For more information about the Grayson Highlands State Park, and other surrounding State Parks check out the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation website.