Happy Lunar New Year! 🧧🐴 It’s the #YearOfTheHorse! To commemorate, we’re highlighting the wild horses of AssateagueNPS in Maryland. Descended from domesticated horses in the late 17th century, these feral horses have adapted to the island’s harsh environment. To balance their high-salt diet, they drink twice the amount of water as domesticated horses. Their small, stocky build allows them to traverse the uneven terrain of the dunes easily. In the summer, the horses spend most of their time on the sand, braving strong winds to avoid the island’s pesky mosquitoes. To help repel water and stay warm in the winter, they have thick, shaggy coats. #LunarNewYear #ChineseNewYear #WildHorses #AssateagueIsland #AssateagueIslandNationalSeashore #Wildlife 📷: NationalParkService