Official proposes rules on NC horse-watching tours

COROLLA, N.C. -- There's talk along the northern Outer Banks of North Carolina about starting to regulate the tour operators who guide visitors along beaches and back roads to look at wild horses. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reported Thursday a Currituck County commissioner wants to meet with tour operators, residents and other officials. Commissioner Vance Aydlett said he doesn't want to end the tours, but sees a need for some controls. Some ideas that have been proposed include designating specific tour areas and creating an easy system to report violations of whatever rules are created. At least six companies operate tours to see a wild herd of about 100 horses that roam on about 12,000 acres of the northern Outer Banks. The horses are believed to be descended from Spanish mustangs. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)