The Wild Horses of Assateague Island

As a horse lover, you could probably guess this was one of my most magical trips.

Visiting Assateague Island, off the coast of Maryland, felt like stepping into a storybook. The Atlantic breeze, rolling dunes, and stretches of open shoreline create a landscape that feels untouched and wonderfully wild.

And then — the horses.

They roam freely across the island, often spotted grazing in tall grasses, scratching lazily against weathered trees, or strolling (and sometimes dramatically rolling) along the sandy beaches. There are no fences, no barns — just endless space and the rhythm of wind and waves.

Some of my favorite photographs I have ever taken were captured here.

One image I call “Tiny Passenger.” In it, a small cattle egret perches confidently on the back of a wild pony, hitching a ride as the pony marches forward. The horse seems completely unbothered by its tiny companion. In fact, the birds often help with pesky bugs and hard-to-reach itches — a quiet partnership unfolding in the m

ost natural way. It was one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments that made my heart race as I lifted my camera.

"Tiny Passenger"

Another favorite I titled “Scratchy Bum.” It’s a playful portrait of a young foal using a tree trunk to reach that impossible-to-scratch spot. I remember smiling behind the camera, watching this tiny, wild soul twist and wiggle with total focus. It was one of those simple, unscripted moments that makes wildlife photography so fun.

"Scratchy Bum"

During my time there, I only spotted small groups of horses. But I didn’t mind not seeing more. In fact, I loved knowing they have so much open space that they don’t need to be seen at all. Their coats glistened in the sunlight, their manes long and wind-tangled — beautifully untamed.

There’s something incredibly special about photographing animals in a place where they truly belong.

And if you’ve ever read Misty of Chincoteague, you already know — this is a place that captures your imagination long before you ever set foot on the sand.

This island isn’t just a destination. It’s a reminder of wildness, freedom, and the quiet magic that happens when you slow down enough to witness it.

I can’t wait to share more from this unforgettable trip with you.