There's a state park in our region that not only features great scenery, hiking and other outdoor pursuits, but some four-legged creatures that you'll absolutely adore.
The feral ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park are not exactly wild, as thousands of visitors discover each year, including on one recent weekend, a family from Roanoke.
Clark Wade introduced his wife, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, his young son and a couple of friends, while they stood around petting one horse they nicknamed, ‘Blackie.’ Clark said, "It's interesting. I would have never imagined there would be wild horses up here; they're somewhat wild, as you can tell they're not all that wild. It's great, this is fun for my son and for all of us and not that far from Roanoke."
The band of semi-wild ponies was first brought into the park more than 35 years ago to do "resource management." In other words they are effective lawn mowers with the added benefit of being one of Grayson Highland's most popular inhabitants.
Another recent Roanoke visitor, Adam Wood remarked, "It's a wonderful experience and great to see them healthy and prospering, because the last time I came through that was definitely not the case, due to the long winter."
At one time there were 125 ponies in the park. The number is now between 65-70; harsh winters have reduced the population.
Many of the ponies are extremely friendly. They'll walk right up to you, probably looking for a free hand-out, though park visitors are encouraged not to feed them or touch them. That's a tall order though.
We watched as Clark Wade asked his toddler riding in a backpack, "What do you think buddy, have you seen the horses? No. What do the horsies say. Nay, is that what he says? Did you pet the horsie? Yes.”
The ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park are a lot of fun to watch, and a unique feature of this region. If you’d like to learn more about Grayson Highlands, the adjacent Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area, or the ponies, check out these websites:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
