04/24/2026
Some reminders if you are visiting the 4x4 beaches this spring:
You must stay at least 50ft away from the horses at all times. No petting and definitely no feeding. Your "harmless" snack could be fatal. Any food that's not a part of the horses' natural habitat can cause colic and/or choke - both of which can be deadly. In 2020 we lost a yearling c**t after he choked on an apple that he was fed.
Feeding and petting can also habituate horses, which can lead to aggressive, dangerous behavior that may necessitate removal from the wild. Please don't be the reason why a horse loses its freedom, or even worse, its life. If a horse approaches you, move away from it and do not reinforce bad behavior.
The 50ft rule applies when you are in a vehicle too. Please do not crowd horses on the beach or block their ability to cross back over the dunes. Crowding can cause stress and exhaustion, and can lead to disruptions in herd dynamics that can be especially dangerous during breeding and foaling season.
And while this is not directly related to the horses, we also ask that you please be respectful of our community. Air down your tires so that your vehicle does not cause damage to the beach, the access ramps, and the fragile sand roads. Stay off the dunes and be mindful of private property.
It takes a village! Thank you for helping us keep the horses (and each other!) safe. If you witness a horse in distress or someone breaking the law, please immediately call the Currituck County sheriff's department at 252-453-3633. They can send law enforcement and will contact CWHF - we are on-call 24/7.