Chincoteaque Ponies

[EnglishCat]

Chincoteague Island, Virginia is known mainly for the annual Pony Penning Day. My uncle was from this island and told me on many occasions of the ponies and their swim from Assateague Island. These feral ponies in the lore that has arisen were the descendants of survivors of a sunken Spanish Galleon. More likely, they descended from domestic stock brought to the island by Eastern Shore farmers in the 17th century. Once a year since 1925 on Pony Penning day they swim from Assateague to Chincoteague Island. Those who are too small or weak are ferried across. They run through the middle of town after which there is an auction of foals. After this they return to Assateague Island until the following year. As a child I was fascinated by this story and still am until this day. I have traveled to Virginia many times but have never managed to make it to Chincoteague. It is a small piece of the primitive life that still survives. Wild horses......

[rhtwist]

Thank you EC for that story, celebrating the horses. Now I just have to learn to say those island names
Twist

[Rich-D]

The annual tradition of penning actually goes back to the 1700's. In 1925 the local firefighters utilized the event to support the Fire Dept. And have done so every year since. The horses are provided with Veterinary services after removal from the Island and prior to the drive though town.

The Federal Government only permits 150 horses to graze on the Federal Lands occupied by the horses. Hence the need to trim the herd though an annual auction.