2 beloved Assateague ponies have been killed by vehicles this summer

One of the majestic ponies at Assateague Island National Seashore was killed last week after being struck by a vehicle traveling through the park, making it the second such fatality recorded among the herd this summer.

Susi Sole, the deceased colt, was struck on Bayberry Drive on Aug. 13. Her death comes less than two weeks after Dune Dancer Jolt, a stallion on the island, was fatally struck by a vehicle, according to the National Park Service. It also comes a little over a year after Gizmo, another horse from the pack, was killed by a vehicle.

The wild ponies are a beloved part of Assateague Island, with two main herds — one on the Maryland side of Assateague and one on the Virginia side. Local tales suggest they ended up on the island after being abandoned there by pirates, or that they remained after arriving on a Spanish galleon in the 17th century. However, NPS says they are most likely descendants of domestic horses brought to the area by early settlers.

The ponies’ deaths have stirred grief in the community as park-goers in awe of the animals contend with the loss. Shortly after news broke of Susi Sole’s death, an outcry surfaced online.

Carrie Luckel and her family have been visiting Assateague Island for over 20 years, drawn in by its breathtaking views and wildlife. Hearing that the ponies were killed by cars was “mind-boggling,” given the park speed limits are so low, Luckel said.

“We honestly never drive over 10 miles per hour and are constantly stopping just to take in the views, watch the ponies or other wildlife and take pictures,” Luckel said. “Obviously changes need to be made.”

Luckel is part of a small clan of Assateague supporters calling for action after the tragedies, suggesting speed limits be further lowered, speed bumps be installed or hefty fines be imposed on those who do not adhere to traffic laws. Some have organized a petition in hopes of getting the speed limit down to 15 miles per hour.

The highest speed limit in the park is 25 mph. Some areas have lower limits.

A National Park Service spokesperson said staff are considering possible changes to traffic rules but continue to implore visitors to be extremely cautious when driving in the park.

The spokesperson said horses can appear at any time and many are difficult to see in low visibility, which is why drivers should never go above the posted island speed limits.

After Susi Sole died, questions began to circulate about what that meant for her foal. The National Park Service ultimately determined that, given the foal was so young, he would not be able to survive on his own. The service permanently transferred him to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia to be cared for by a new herd.

The fire company posted an update Monday about the foal, now named Old Dad, after a former Pony Committee chairman with the department.

“From first indications he is eating and drinking very well, he talks to a few of our buyback mares and foals through the fence but is not panicking or calling out which is a great prognosis for his survival,” the post said. “He is very wean-able for a wild pony foal, at his age and should have zero problems adjusting to life on his own.”