Wild Ponies of the Outer Banks

Prints from a Series of Paintings by M. Theresa Brown

From our low viewpoint the hot summer sun created a mirage which gave the animals the effect of floating on water. As we approached, a trio of ponies continued to graze unconcernedly upon the marsh grass, their lips
brushing the salt water. A bay, a dun and a chestnut. One was a young stallion who lifted his head as I clicked my camera, then returned to his task of foraging.

I watched with fascination. Surrounded by a dozen white ibises who worked alongside the animals, these ponies stood fetlock deep in salt water oyster beds and plucked at the marsh grass for hours.

The breeze rippled their manes and tails and gave some relief to the heat. But there was no fresh water here. How long could they graze? Step by step they moved over the beds, diligently eating the reedy grasses that poked just a few inches above the water. A few solitary ponies grazed in the distance and a larger herd beyond them.

And then, by some unseen signal or instinct, the distance herd and this small band began to migrate across the inlet towards the firm shore of the island. They walked knee deep through the water, the soft bottom sucking at their hoofs

The tide was beginning to come in and underwater channels brought the ponies up to their bellies at several points. Calmly, slowly, head to tail they steadily progressed. And once upon land, they massed again, an occasional
stallion or mare calling to a companion.

We had also tried to walk and pull our kayaks in the very shallow area, but found the going too hard and welcomed the deeper water. I paused as we pulled away from the island and took a long drink from my water bottle. And I waited to see if the ponies walked on to fresh water but they stood quietly in the breeze.

Giclee Prints on 11" x 14" Fine Art Paper, image 9" x 12"  $19.95 + 3.95 ship in US/CA

Click on the images below for a better view and to add to your collection

After the Storm

Heading Home, Turn of the Tide

Curious Youngster

Grazing Ponies and Ibis

Stallion Dispute