Get ready for the 2024 Chincoteague Pony Swim

Generations have grown up enchanted by the story of Misty of Chincoteague and her descendants that called Chincoteague Island home.

A beautiful place surrounded by marshes and home to these incredible Chincoteague Ponies, the small town of Chincoteague comes to life every year as many 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!

What is the Chincoteague Pony Swim?

In its 99th 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.

photo by Burnham Guides

Where is it held?

While commonly thought of as one place, Assateague and Chincoteague are actually two separate islands, although they are very close together. Assateague Island is dedicated as a Wildlife Refuge and that is where the ponies actually reside. During the swim, they are rounded up and brought over through the Assateague Channel and then brought to the carnival grounds on Chincoteague Island. The ponies are cared for by the volunteers at the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department that are dubbed the Saltwater Cowboys. You can read more about the Saltwater Cowboys here or in Chesapeake Bay Magazine.

Calendar of events

The Chincoteague Chamber has put together a comprehensive calendar of events that will be taking place during the week of Pony Penning. You can check that out here: www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning/. Below is a condensed version!

The carnival is happening throughout the week from July 19 – July 27.

July 20 – 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!

July 21 – The Northern Herd is rounded up. This event is not open to the public as the northern end of the island is inaccessible.

July 22 – Beach Walk – the Saltwater Cowboys walk the Northern Herd down the beach to meet the Southern Herd

July 24 – Pony swim day!

July 25 – Pony Auction

July 26 – The ponies swim back to Assateague Island

July 27 – Final carnival day

Make memories with your family that will last a lifetime and enjoy Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague Island, Virginia!