Chincoteague Pony Swim - July 25th
Back in the 1600s, (the legend goes), a Spanish galleon lost the battle with the Atlantic and sunk off the coast of the now Virginia and Maryland borders. What survived was herd of wild mustangs that swam ashore and have been roaming the beaches, forest and salt marsh of Assateague Island ever since. Recently, the remains of a Spanish ship wreck was found in the waters off the island, which may add more fuel to the story.
In reality, it was probably early Virginia colonial settlers that let their horses graze on the island, which provided a natural fence for the livestock.
The herds of wild ponies adapted over time and have roamed the beaches, woods and salt marsh of Assateague Island since then.
With a large portion of their diet derived from sand dune grasses, rosehips and persimmons, it was thought that their large bellies and stocky frames were die to high salt intake of the marsh waters. In reality, it’s normal for their breed. Here’s an example of one of the ponies.
The National Park Service manages the heard and and keeps their numbers under 150. Ever year since 1924, in order to manage the heard’s growth, about 100 horses are rounded up by “Salt Water Cowboys” who drive the herd across the open water to Chincoteague Island for an auction. The unsold horses then swim back to the island.
The auction which is open to the public and does not require any bidder registration, sells about 75 ponies each year at an average cost of $2,150. Prices last year were as high as $7,500, while the runt of the litter sold for just $350. If you get excited and decide to raise your hand, they gladly accept Visa, Mastercard and cash.
The three-day event includes food, music, entertainment and a carnival, plus thousands of spectators.
Assateague National Seashore Pony Swim
Assateague Channel at Chincoteague Memorial Park
Chincoteague Island, VA - about 3 hours from DC
Date and Time
- Pony Swim - Wednesday, July 25th, ponies cross between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. dependent on tide, currents, and readiness of ponies.
- Pony Auction - Thursday, July 26, 8:00 a.m. to Noon
- Pony Return Swim - Wednesday, July 27, time TBD
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1 Comment
I’ve never been to the roundup but ever since I heard about it I’ve been lookin it up. NOW LISTEN UP ALL YA’LL CHINCOTEAGUERS YA’LL ARE SOOOOO COOL! I RREALLYYY WANT TO COME!