Sable Island is a narrow sliver of an island located about 150 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The 500 wild horses of Sable Island have a long and mysterious history. The origins of these horses are uncertain, with some experts believing they are descended from horses that were shipwrecked on the island, while others speculate that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to the island by early settlers or by privateers and pirates.
The earliest recorded sighting of horses on Sable Island dates back to the early 1700s, when French and English fishermen began visiting the island. The horses were likely brought to the island by these early visitors, or by shipwrecks that occurred on the dangerous sandbars surrounding the island. Over the centuries, the horses have adapted to the harsh conditions of the island, developing a hardy and resilient breed that is well suited to the island's harsh environment.
In the 19th century, Sable Island became an important location for shipwrecks, as many ships were lost on the dangerous sandbars surrounding the island. The Canadian government established a life-saving station on the island in 1801, which helped to rescue many shipwrecked sailors. The life-saving station staff and the rescuers often relied on the horses to help them to reach the shipwreck victims.
Today, the wild horses of Sable Island are protected by the Canadian government and are considered a national treasure. The population of horses on the island is carefully managed to ensure their survival and to protect the island's fragile ecosystem. Visitors to the island are only allowed to view the horses from a distance, in order to minimize human impact on the island and its inhabitants.
Sable Island is also known for its thriving population of grey seals, which are a major attraction for visitors and researchers. Grey seals are one of the largest species of seal, and they can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh over 800 pounds. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with their large size, rounded heads, and expressive eyes. The seals on Sable Island are protected by Canadian law and are an important part of the island's ecosystem. They provide important nutrients for the island's plants and wildlife and are also an important food source for other animals such as birds and fish.
In 2011, Sable Island was designated a Canadian National Park reserve, which provides additional protection for the island's unique ecosystem and the wild horses that call it home. The island remains one of the few places in the world where wild horses can be found roaming freely in a natural habitat, untouched by humans.