Magical Horse Kingdom - Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Legend has it that "wild" horses that are currently freely roaming the planes, beaches, and marsh were brought to Cumberland Island during Spanish occupation in the 16th century.

The horses' ancestors were tamed and domesticated thus making these feral offspring non-threatening to visitors.

There are a variety of animals on land and sea including wild hogs, armadillos, sea turtles, dolphins, and hundreds of species of birds.

More than 200 horses currently call Cumberland Island home. Recently, attempts have been made to diversify the island's breeds by bringing horses from Arizona and other parts of the country.

The horses, as with all animals and vegetation on Cumberland Island, are protected by the National Parks Conservation Association.

Over the last several decades, there has been much controversy regarding these peaceful, feral animals. It's thought that herd sizes larger than 120 results in a significant strain on the island's vegetation and ecosystem.

Academics have suggested several approaches to reducing herd size to less than seventy animals (University of Georgia); however, these beautiful animals are fortunately labeled by the National Park Services to be "feral, free-ranging and unmanaged."

Free and unmanaged seems to be ideal for these beautiful majestic animals. Certainly freedom has done wonders for humans.....

Enjoy,

Nomad's Lens