Horse Kicks Lifeguard on Beach
The human/horse interaction that was captured here over the weekend is a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of wild horses. These types of interactions can happen in an instant, even to National Park Service personnel who have been trained to move horses from the beach. Help prevent this scenario from happening in the first place by folllowing these simple tips:* Please do not make food or water available to the horses.* When possible, keep food safely stored in a vehicle. If food must be brought to the beach, store it in a sturdy zippered bag or in a cooler that is secured shut with a strap.* Give the horses their space. Move at least a bus length away when a horse approaches. Do not try to save your belongings; wait until the horse is out of the area.*Wild horses communicate. Watch for pinned ears and sudden movements, as they indicate agitation that can lead to kicking and biting.Unfortunately, incidents like this happen every year. The lifeguard in the video suffered minor abrasions but was otherwise unhurt. Regardless of your comfort level around horses remember that the wild horses are powerful, unpredictable animals.
Posted by Assateague Island National Seashore on Wednesday, September 2, 2015
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That's what happens when you leave food out.
ReplyDeleteLifeguard didn't grow up on a farm that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteMaryland needs to follow Virginia and get control of these animals. They are too tame
ReplyDeleteI always got my kicks on Route 66.
ReplyDeleteThose bold ponies are the very reason my family does not visit assateague.
ReplyDeleteThey are aggressive and poop every where too.
Only a matter of time before that video is of a child being critically injured.
Yes I only take my children to the play area at the McDonalds
DeleteHe didn't read the signs on the way in I guess
ReplyDeleteHold up just a minute-those horses have been there for CENTURIES.It's not the animals fault that humans have invaded their space.It was their beach first! Joe,you and your wife have had horses,so you know the first rule is not to get behind them,because they will kick.I have been around horses since I was a kid and I never got kicked once but my sister did.
ReplyDeleteI suggest if beachgoer's do not want to deal with these "Aggressive pooping ponies" they need to go to Ocean City or somewhere other than a wildlife preserve.
Amen!
DeleteI'd rather deal with the wildlife at Assateague than Ocean City.
ReplyDelete3:02pm..I Heart you.
ReplyDelete4:37----very true.
ReplyDelete3:03 PM- I totally agree with you. My grandfather had horses and he and I would ride when I visited him. I was always taught as a very young child never, but never walk behind any horse, donkey, or cow. Always let the animal see you coming and NEVER get behind them. Perhaps, they need to teach these guards basic animal behaviors.
ReplyDeleteHe got educated......
ReplyDeleteit's the horses' beach. leave them alone before you get kicked in the butt like this clown.
ReplyDeleteHorse said--summer's over, bub, go home!
ReplyDelete