The Chincoteague ponies are a truly amazing breed. They are born and live on the tiny islands off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Thought to be descended from horses that swam ashore from wrecked Spanish galleons as early as the sixteenth century, this distinct breed is small and hardy. Due to their harsh environment they rarely grow above about thirteen and a half hands high. A hand is four inches and is the unit of measurement used for all equines.
The animals are born wild on the island and are considered to be feral. They are found in every different color including the most desired, the paints. Each year at the end of July the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company runs the annual pony penning day. This is the world famous event when the ponies swim across the channel to the main island to be auctioned. The event actually began as a fund raiser for the fire company in the nineteen twenties.
The island is famous for the pony round up which takes place at the end of July. The animals are gathered together and inspected to make sure they are in good condition. Then all the fit ones are made to swim a short distance to the other island for the auction. The swim is only about five to ten minuets and is closely monitored by the officials.
As many as 50,000 visitors attend the annual penning and auction event. First, the animals are rounded up and inspected. Those who are sick or injured can be given essential medical treatment. The healthy ones are then swum across a narrow channel to the mainland. Many people feel this is animal cruelty, but the event is very well monitored and people are standing by to help any pony that seems to be in trouble. Mares who are about to foal, or who have very young foals with them, are actually spared the swim and are trailered to the auction site.
The breed has been systematically improved since the early 1920's. At that point many of the ponies were found to be very small and living with serious conformation faults due to years of inbreeding. A program was started to improve the quality of the breed by the introduction of other animals, particularly the Welsh and Shetland pony. Later Mustang and Arabian stallions were introduced to the herd to help increase the height and refine the characteristics of the island ponies.
Many of the animals purchased at the auction go to private homes throughout the United States and Canada. They are very versatile and can be used for both riding and driving. Their nice temperaments make them good for children and small adults to trail ride and compete with.
The pony who made Chincoteague famous is Misty. She is the star of Marguerite Henry's famous novel published in 1947. The story focuses on a real pony who Ms Henry bought as a yearling in the auction. Misty had several foals and many of her descendants are still alive today.
Today Chincoteague ponies are a distinct breed with their own registration and stud book. Many of the ones sold in the annual auction find wonderful homes as treasured family pets. They can be ridden out on trails and lead long and productive lives.
The animals are born wild on the island and are considered to be feral. They are found in every different color including the most desired, the paints. Each year at the end of July the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company runs the annual pony penning day. This is the world famous event when the ponies swim across the channel to the main island to be auctioned. The event actually began as a fund raiser for the fire company in the nineteen twenties.
The island is famous for the pony round up which takes place at the end of July. The animals are gathered together and inspected to make sure they are in good condition. Then all the fit ones are made to swim a short distance to the other island for the auction. The swim is only about five to ten minuets and is closely monitored by the officials.
As many as 50,000 visitors attend the annual penning and auction event. First, the animals are rounded up and inspected. Those who are sick or injured can be given essential medical treatment. The healthy ones are then swum across a narrow channel to the mainland. Many people feel this is animal cruelty, but the event is very well monitored and people are standing by to help any pony that seems to be in trouble. Mares who are about to foal, or who have very young foals with them, are actually spared the swim and are trailered to the auction site.
The breed has been systematically improved since the early 1920's. At that point many of the ponies were found to be very small and living with serious conformation faults due to years of inbreeding. A program was started to improve the quality of the breed by the introduction of other animals, particularly the Welsh and Shetland pony. Later Mustang and Arabian stallions were introduced to the herd to help increase the height and refine the characteristics of the island ponies.
Many of the animals purchased at the auction go to private homes throughout the United States and Canada. They are very versatile and can be used for both riding and driving. Their nice temperaments make them good for children and small adults to trail ride and compete with.
The pony who made Chincoteague famous is Misty. She is the star of Marguerite Henry's famous novel published in 1947. The story focuses on a real pony who Ms Henry bought as a yearling in the auction. Misty had several foals and many of her descendants are still alive today.
Today Chincoteague ponies are a distinct breed with their own registration and stud book. Many of the ones sold in the annual auction find wonderful homes as treasured family pets. They can be ridden out on trails and lead long and productive lives.
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