Young and young-at-heart…locals and visitors…seem to agree on one thing: the Wild Horses residing here on the Outer Banks are literally a beach treasure.

As seen through the creative eye and lens of photographer John Sams, we get a glimpse of the ferocity and freedom of the magnificent horses living among us.

As history would have it, the herd that exists today on the Outer Banks descended from Royal Spanish Colonial Mustangs having arrived here over 500 years ago via shipwrecks in the treacherous shoals and waters of our coast.  The herd that was once estimated to be over 5,000 in the 1920’s has dwindled dramatically – at one point to less than one hundred. Since the formation of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund in 1989, caring people have dedicated themselves to the well-being of the wild horses and making progress towards creating state, national, and international awareness regarding the historic importance of the Banker Colonial Spanish Mustang and the pressing need to preserve and protect them.

John Sams -- native North Carolinian, UNC-Chapel Hill Alum, and USMC Veteran – has been around and loved horses throughout his life.  Spending time as a professional wild horse guide, John was afforded the opportunity to observe, research, and teach about the Wild Horses on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Fortunately for us, he was also able to photograph them – revealing their spirit in a habitat only unknown to many. Much of the magicthat you see in his horse photography is the result of John spending significant time with the horses – knowing his subjects, their movements, and their habits.  Whether expert at predicting a shot or being in the right place at the right time, his photography captures it all. 

I invite you to visit us to learn more about all of the local artists showcased here at Outer Banks Gifts Online as well as in our shop, Beach Treasures in Duck located exclusively on the Town of Duck’s Boardwalk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.