Home / Environment / Assateague Horses Fall Victim to Tragic Vehicle Collisions
Assateague Horses Fall Victim to Tragic Vehicle Collisions
22 Aug
Summary
- Two wild horses died in separate vehicle crashes this month.
- A mare named Susi Solé and a stallion named Dune Dancer Jolt were killed.
- Susi Solé's foal has been adopted by the Chincoteague herd.
Tragedy has struck the Assateague Island National Seashore as two beloved wild horses, a mare and a stallion, were killed in separate vehicle collisions during August 2026. The mare, known as Susi Solé, died on the evening of August 13th, while the stallion, Dune Dancer Jolt, was killed on August 1st. These incidents follow a similar fatality last year when a horse named Gizmo was struck and killed on August 2, 2025.
The National Park Service has issued a strong plea to all visitors, emphasizing the critical need for drivers to exercise extreme caution. They highlight that Assateague horses can appear suddenly from any direction and are often difficult to see at night or in poor visibility. Drivers are reminded to adhere to the posted speed limits, which do not exceed 25 MPH, and to be especially vigilant during rain, fog, dawn, and dusk.
Amidst the sorrow, there is a glimmer of hope. Susi Solé's foal, a colt, has been adopted by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Pony Committee. The colt, now named the 'Wesley Bloxom Stallion' with the nickname 'Old Dad,' has been transported to the fire company's medical barn. He is reportedly eating and drinking well and is expected to adapt successfully to his new life within the Chincoteague herd, honoring the legacy of Wesley Bloxom.
