Outer Banks wild horse herd welcomes third foal of the season

The wild horse herd of the northern Outer Banks has added another new baby.

The filly is the third foal of the season born to the herd of about 100 Spanish mustangs. Her mom is a mare called M&M and her dad is Rocky.

Betsy is named for Betsy Dowdy, and her Banker mare Bess, who swam across the Currituck Inlet during the Revolutionary War to warn American troops. [Courtesy Corolla Wild Horse Fund]

Here’s more from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which manages the herd:

“The whole family is doing great – including Betsy’s 3 year old half-sister and the other two mares in the harem. M&M is an experienced mom, but as far as we know this is Rocky’s first foal. Good job Rocky! Betsy is big, feisty, and flashy just like her dad.

“Betsy was born not far from where her namesake, Betsy Dowdy, and her Banker mare Bess swam across the Currituck Inlet on their journey to warn American troops of British movement in the area during the Revolutionary War.

“You can learn more about Betsy Dowdy in this great book by Donna Campbell Smith.

“Thank you to Barbara Haverty Pardue for welcoming me onto her property to see Betsy in person today, and for sharing her family’s long and storied history on the beach. The name Betsy was next on the list for fillies, and the fact that this foal was born in such a special place is much more than just a coincidence.

“May you grow up wild and free sweet Betsy, just like your ancestors!”

Betsy’s father is a wild horse named Rocky. [Courtesy Corolla Wild Horse Fund]

This story originally appeared on OBXToday.com. Read More local stories here.