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Graduate Spotlight: Keeping Watch over Corolla’s Wild Horses
Meg Puckett ’04 Credits ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº for her Historical Perspective and Literary Skills
University News | August 2, 2023
ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº has long been known for producing graduates who go on to make a significant impact in their chosen fields. Among them is Meg Puckett, a 2004 graduate who has served as a beacon of conservation for the world of wild horses.
With a double major in English and History, Meg's liberal arts education paved the way for her current role. In her own words, she says, "History repeats itself, and we must learn from the past, especially the history of this breed." Her English degree armed her with the skills for meticulous documentation, maintaining historical records, and effectively communicating through social media.
As Herd Manager for the , Meg finds herself at the forefront of conservation efforts. These wild horses of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, sometimes known as the Banker horses, have a storied past. Genetic links between the Corolla herd and the mustangs of the Conquistadors show a rich and intriguing lineage.
The wild horses have, however, have faced challenges. Their population, which once numbered in the thousands, has dwindled significantly. Today, Meg oversees a herd whose current population is slightly more than 100.
Preservation of their habitat has become more challenging as more houses are built, and more people explore the beaches. “People love the horses, they get excited to see them, and I think sometimes they forget that they’re wild," says Meg. This leads to misguided interactions which can be dangerous for the people and the horses. The horses themselves, if startled, can be dangerous. Also, the horse’s digestive system has adapted to the sparse natural offerings of the Outer Bank’s landscape. They simply cannot process other foods, and they can become very sick or die when fed by well-meaning tourists.
Meg emphasizes respect and distance, advising people to stay at least fifty feet away. "It's very important that we keep a wild population of horses here; being wild is what makes them special," she stresses.
Meg's work with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund embodies her belief that "everyone who cares about the horses, about the beach, and wants to be able to come back and see them in the years to come is deeply committed to doing their part to protect them."
Through her tireless efforts, her understanding of the delicate ecology of the habitat, and her compassionate yet practical approach to conservation, Meg Puckett continues to honor her alma mater, ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº.
Her unique blend of historical perspective and literary skills, shaped by her education, drives her as she strives to preserve a living link to our nation's past. Her work is more than a job; it's a call to remember, respect, and protect the wild spirit that still roams the shores of North Carolina.