Exploring the Island of Horses on the Atlantic Coast of Americas

Atlantic coast is full of barrier islands shaped by natural forces like sea cliffs eroding and changing sea levels. When the cliffs erode, the sand gets deposited, creating these long, slender islands. Some islands were even formed by rising sea levels after the last ice age. As the sand shifts along the coast, the barrier islands continue to change.

Living on these ever-changing islands means dealing with harsh weather and constant shifts in the landscape. It’s a tough life for the wild horses that call these islands home. But how did these horses end up on these barrier islands in the first place?

Legend has it that Spanish ships crashed along the Atlantic coast centuries ago, potentially leaving horses stranded on the islands. However, the true origin of these wild horses remains a mystery. It’s possible that horses from sinking ships swam to shore and settled on the islands. Alternatively, colonizers may have intentionally left horses on the islands with plans to return later.

Despite their unclear origins, these wild horses have been living on the Atlantic coast for around 500 years. Descended from domestic horses, they have adapted to island life, digging for fresh water and swimming between islands in search of food.

Each episode of The Americas explores different regions of the supercontinent, including the eastern edge where barrier islands are constantly changing. Many of these islands are uninhabited, except for the herds of wild horses that battle the elements and each other for survival.

In one episode, we meet a 15-year-old stallion who has spent the last decade defending his territory and a fresh water well from rival stallions. Covered in scars from numerous battles, he faces new challengers during breeding season. The Atlantic coast’s barrier islands are like a real-life game of thrones for these wild horses.

To catch more fascinating stories about the world’s natural wonders, tune in to The Americas on NBC every Sunday at 8/7c, or stream it the next day on Peacock. Join Tom Hanks as he takes you on a journey from Chile to Alaska, exploring the beauty and mysteries of our continent.