Photo of the Pony Swim by John Park
A beautiful place surrounded by marshes and home to the incredible Chincoteague Ponies, the small town of Chincoteague comes to life every year while visitors and locals come to see the iconic pony swim for themselves. Are you planning on traveling to the event this year? Whether this will be your first time or a return visit, this year's swim will be one to remember and celebrate!
In its 100th year, the Chincoteague Pony Swim is an annual tradition celebrating the Chincoteague Ponies as they are brought over from Assateague Island and swim the Assateague Channel. The swim is a part of Pony Penning week, which also includes a carnival and a pony auction.
While commonly thought of as one place, Assateague and Chincoteague are two islands separated by the Assateague Channel and accessible by bridge. Assateague Island is dedicated as a Wildlife Refuge and is where the pony herd resides. During the Pony Penning events, they are rounded up and brought to Chincoteague through the waterways and then moved to the carnival grounds on Chincoteague Island. During this event, and for the rest of the year, the ponies are cared for by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, dubbed the "Saltwater Cowboys." The funds received from the foal auction support the herd's veterinary care throughout the year. You can read more about the Saltwater Cowboys here or in Chesapeake Bay Magazine.
Photo of the Beach Walk by John Park
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce publishes a comprehensive Pony Penning calendar of events: www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning/. Below is a condensed version!
The carnival is happening throughout the week from July 26 - August 2.
Saturday, July 26 | Southern Herd Roundup - At about 7AM, the Southern Herd is rounded up first and brought to the Southern Corral on Beach Road. You can view the arrival of the ponies at the corral!
Saturday, July 27 | Northern Herd Roundup - The Northern Herd is rounded up. This event is not open to the public as the northern end of the island is inaccessible.
Monday, July 28 | The Beach Walk - the Saltwater Cowboys walk the Northern Herd down the beach to meet the Southern Herd.
Tuesday, July 29 | Pony Vet Checks - all ponies will be checked by a veterinarian and can be viewed by the public in the Southern Corral on Assateague.
Wednesday, July 30 | Pony Swim - the Saltwater Cowboys will swim the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island across the Assteague Channel and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island.
Tuesday, July 31 | Auction - Foal Auction on the carnival grounds.
Friday, August 1 | Swim Back - Watch the ponies swim back to the wild of Assateague Island.
Saturday, August 2 | Celebration - Fireworks and final carnival day.
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