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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Chincoteague Wild Ponies


While in Virginia, we went to Chincoteague in search of wild ponies (of all things!). The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns a herd of them. Each year the department purchases a grazing permit which allows them to maintain a herd of approximately 150 adult ponies on Assateague Island. They control the herd size with a pony auction every year in July. Each year thousands of spectators like us go to watch the cowboys round them up and/or swim the pony herd from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. Although we missed the "swim" by one day, we did time it right to get to see the ponies already penned. That meant we got to see all of them up close and personal. Because we arrived fairly early in the morning, it wasn't crowded; this allowed us the privilege of visiting with some of the locals in charge. It was a great experience!











If you are interested, you can find several You Tube videos of past "swims."
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7 comments:

  1. NanaDianaJuly 30, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Awwww...that just makes my heart snmile! Aren't they beauties? xo Diana

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  2. Farm GirlJuly 30, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Do you know how many years growing up I wanted to go do that. I mean Misty was my favorite book of all time. I am so glad you took pictures because I have always wanted to know what they really looked like. Wesley Dennis drew great pictures but your pictures are so awesome. I am so glad you went.
    Next time could you go to Green Gables and see Prince Edward Island for me. :)

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  3. TexWisGirlJuly 30, 2011 at 9:15 PM

    a wonderful piece of culture you got to see there! loved misty as a child. :)

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  4. JenJuly 31, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Oh Diana, they are just gorgeous!!! I am going to go to youtube now and look up the 'swim'!!
    Hugs
    jen xo

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  5. Kathleen July 31, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    I love horses! They are such noble creatures. I'd have enjoyed this event, and so appreciate your sharing it.

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

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  6. Janettessage.blogspot.comJuly 31, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Aren't they just soooooooooo beautiful!!! My grandfather raised and trained horses...so there is always a special place in my heart for them.

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  7. JessJuly 31, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Hey there! Thanks for your kind encouragement on my blog...you are so dear!
    Loved these photos...as a girl I longed to have a pony.
    Blessings~ Jess

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