Name an Assateague Island Foal Through an eBay Auction
November 9, 2018
Have you ever dreamed of naming a wild horse? Now's your chance! The Assateague Island Alliance is hosting an eBay auction for the naming rights to a sorrel pinto colt, currently known as N9BM-JQ. This unique opportunity not only allows you to name a foal but also supports the wild horse management program at Assateague Island National Seashore.
How to Participate
To name this charming colt, simply win the eBay auction, which concludes at 9:08 a.m. on Sunday. The rules are straightforward: the name cannot be a brand or related to the famous Misty, and it must receive approval from the National Park Service. As of Friday afternoon, the bidding has already surpassed $1,500, so be prepared to invest in this special naming privilege.
About the Auction
The auction is organized by the Assateague Island Alliance, a Friends group dedicated to supporting the national seashore's initiatives. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the wild horse management program. Although the Assateague horses in Maryland are treated as wild animals, they receive certain medical treatments, including contraception, to maintain their health and genetic diversity.
The Importance of Funding
Funding for genetic diversity testing and other essential programs can be challenging for the National Park Service, which manages the national seashore. The Assateague Island Alliance plays a crucial role in securing these funds.
"This program has been going on for a while, even before the Assateague Island Alliance was formed and took it over in 2008," said Ashlie Kozlowski, outreach coordinator for AIA. "It's a good way to help support these horses."
About the Foal
N9BM-JQ, like all Assateague horses, has an alphanumeric identifier based on his maternal lineage. He is affectionately nicknamed "Bo-Giggly," a blend of his mother Giggles' name and his likely sire, Bodacious Bob.
Why Name a Wild Horse?
As Kozlowski notes, people often view wild horses as domestic animals, making the act of naming them feel natural. The excitement surrounding the auction grows as the bidding deadline approaches, with prices sometimes soaring in the final hours. Although the highest bid ever reached $7,900, each auction is unique.
After the Auction
Once the auction concludes and a winner is determined, AIA officials contact the winner to finalize the name. In previous years, naming rights have been purchased by groups to honor loved ones or as special gifts. The chosen name must be approved by the National Park Service, though rejections are rare.
If you miss this auction, don't worry—it's the first of three this year. With effective population control, more foals are expected to be born in the coming years, offering additional opportunities to name an Assateague horse.
For more information, visit the original article on Delmarva Now.