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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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).
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!
