The Chincoteague Pony Swim

Shelley Paulson — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:57 +0000

If you’re anything like me, you grew up with Marguerite Henry’s beloved Misty of Chincoteague books. As a young girl, I would often find myself lost in the pages, imagining the joy of being part of the Chincoteague Pony Swim and Penning, bidding on and winning my very own Chincoteague Pony.

Part of that dream came true when Rebekah Hart of Hart’s Island Pony Ranch graciously invited me to attend Pony Penning Week with her. She had won a raffle for “A Vacation of a Lifetime,” which included special access to the week’s events. How could I say no to an opportunity like this?

The Pony Swim

Pony Penning Week in Chincoteague, Va., is a cherished tradition for both locals and tourists. This annual event, held during the last week of July, is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the wild ponies of Assateague Island.

The first event I attended was the beach walk. The Saltwater Cowboys, who guide the ponies through this experience, bring the northern herd down the beach to meet the southern herd before both herds swim to Chincoteague Island.

During the beach walk, the Saltwater Cowboys guide the northern herd down the beach to meet the southern herd before both herds swim to Chincoteague Island. Photo by Shelley Paulson

On the day of the pony swim, we were up well before dawn to catch a boat to Assateague Channel. Everyone was quiet as we navigated the dark ocean waters to our spot. I remember looking up to see a velvety night sky filled with stars as the cool air washed over my face.

On the day of the pony swim, Shelley was up well before dawn to catch a boat to Assateague Channel. Photo by Shelley Paulson

The timing of the swim varies each year and depends on “slack tide,” where the tide is neither going in nor out, so the water is relatively still, making it easier for the ponies to swim.

The Pony Swim is timed during “slack tide,” where the tide is going neither in nor out, making it easier for the ponies to swim. Photo by Shelley Paulson

Once the herds make it to shore, officials signal the beginning of the swim with a red flare. The actual swim took just minutes. It was exhilarating to watch and capture with my camera.

Once on land, the Saltwater Cowboys give the horses about 45 minutes to catch their breath before they parade them through town to the carnival grounds.

Once on land, the Saltwater Cowboys give the horses about 45 minutes to catch their breath before they parade them through town to the carnival grounds. Photo by Shelley Paulson

The Auction

The next major event is the highlight of Pony Penning Week: the pony auction. This auction is an opportunity for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company to raise funds for equipment and maintenance while also ensuring the health and sustainability of the pony population.

The crowds check out all of the ponies at the carnival grounds before the auction. Photo by Shelley Paulson

The morning of the auction, I expected to see a lot more drama when mares were separated from their foals, but everyone was relatively calm. Some foals would get feisty when led around the auction area, but keep in mind, these are wild, unhandled foals!

Foals are numbered for bidding before the auction. Photo by Shelley Paulson

Buyers from across the country bid on the ponies both in-person and online. Several groups pooled together funds to bid on “buybacks.” These fundraiser foals stay wild for life and remain the property of the Fire Company.

Mares and foals are briefly separated for the foal auction, where some “buybacks” are returned to the wild herd. Photo by Shelley Paulson

A Fitting Conclusion

After the auction, the remaining ponies are released back into their herds by either swimming them back across the channel (if they are part of the southern herd) or trailering them back to their stomping grounds (if they are part of the northern herd).

After the auction, the remaining ponies are released back into their herds by swimming them back across the channel if they are part of the southern herd. Photo by Shelley Paulson

Beyond the excitement of the pony swim and auction, Pony Penning Week is filled with fun activities such as parades, riding demonstrations, carnival rides, a farmer’s market, shopping, live entertainment, and more.

Pony Penning Week is more than just a spectacle or a fundraiser. This event brings together communities and visitors in a shared appreciation for nature, tradition, and the enduring bond between humans and horses.

This article about the Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared in the July 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Chincoteague Pony Swim appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Barn Banter – Episode 9 from title sponsor Straight Arrow Products

Horse Illustrated — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:21:12 +0000

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 9, hosts Susan Friedland and Raquel Lynn chat with Stephanie Macejko, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer about BreyerFest. Then, they catch up with Amanda Geci, the vice president of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and a longtime pony enthusiast. Finally, we take a closer look at Miss Madeline, July’s Adoptable Horse of the Month.

Click to listen on mobile.

Listen now to meet Stephanie and Amanda. Plus, hear about our ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month, Miss Madeline, offered by Days End Farm Horse Rescue.

Title Sponsor: Straight Arrow Family of Brands

Stephanie Macejko, VP of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer

Stephanie Macejko of Breyer, Barn Banter episode 9 guest

Officially, Stephanie Macejko is the Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Breyer. But she’s also known as Breyer’s Chief Equine Officer! From earliest memory, Stephanie has known a love for horses that steered her personal and professional life. For over 25 years, Stephanie’s equestrian knowledge and passion for marketing have been assets to Breyer’s evolution, commitment to quality, and dedication to inspiring the next generation of horse lovers.

Amanda Geci, VP of the International Chincoteague Pony Association

Amanda Geci of ICPAR, Barn Banter episode 9 guest

Amanda Geci is longtime Chincoteague Pony enthusiast and researcher. She is the vice president of the International Chincoteague Pony Association and Registry, manages the Chincoteague Pony Pedigree Database, is the author of The Colorful Chincoteague book and website, and co-manages Misty of Chincoteague’s website, Misty’s Heaven. She owns a Chincoteague Pony mare Misty’s Hurricane Izzy and Quarter Horse mare Dixie.

Featured Adoptable Horse

Photo courtesy Days End Farm Horse Rescue

At the end of episode 9 of Barn Banter, we talk to Sara Strauss, the head trainer from Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Md. This month’s ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month is Miss Madeline, a 16-year-old Warmblood mare available for adoption.

Looking for a non-riding companion home, Madeline gets along well with both mares and geldings. She is currently on 12-hour turnout with an older OTTB mare who she cares for dearly. Madeline behaves well in a stall, but enjoys her outside time just as much. Madeline loves grooming time and is always down for a good ear scratch. This sweet girl would love a quiet home to retire and enjoy the good life.

Learn more about Madeline here.

Title Sponsor of Barn Banter

We want to thank our Title Sponsor, the Straight Arrow Family of Brands, makers of Mane ‘n Tail, Cowboy Magic & Exhibitor’s, with over 100 years of grooming excellence. For more information about your favorite products, visit straightarrowinc.com and find Straight Arrow Products at a tack shop near you!

In addition to Barn Banter episode 9, you check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.

The post Barn Banter – Episode 9 from title sponsor Straight Arrow Products appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Chincoteague Ponies Archives - Horse Illustrated Magazine