Is Pony Penning Day Real?
Is Pony Penning Day Real?
Since 1924, Pony Penning Day has been an annual event, with the exception of 1942, 1943, and 2020. The event was cancelled during 1942 and 1943 due to World War II, and in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pony Swim was cancelled for the first time since World War II. Foals were still sold in an online auction.
How much does a Chincoteague pony sell for?
2019 – 57 ponies sold, average cost $4,767, high bid $17,500, low bid $1,400, total sales $271,700.
What happens to the Chincoteague ponies?
Each year just a few select foals are designated as ‘buybacks’. A buyback pony is auctioned with the stipulation that it will be donated back to the Fire Company and returned to Assateague Island to replenish the herd. The winner of a buyback pony gets a certificate from the Fire Company.
When did the Chincoteague pony swim start?
The most renowned aspect of Pony Penning, the swim across the Assateague Channel, dates from the early 1920’s.
How did the horses get on Chincoteague Island?
Legend states that Chincoteague ponies descend from Spanish horses shipwrecked off the Virginia coast on their way to Peru in the 16th century. Livestock on the islands were not subject to taxes or fencing laws, and so many animals, including hogs, sheep, cattle and horses, were brought to the islands.
What is the Chincoteague pony buy back?
A Buy Back Pony is a foal that is designated by the Fire Company to return to Assateague Island to live out its life there. The Buy Back Pony will be auctioned with the rest of the foals.
Why do the ponies swim from Assateague to Chincoteague?
Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company uses the proceeds from the auction to buy fire fighting equipment and to provide veterinary care for the herd.
Where did the Chincoteague Ponies come from?
United States
Chincoteague Pony/Origin
How do you see ponies in Chincoteague?
The best way to view Chincoteague Ponies is from a charter boat tour. That is really the only way you can observe them in their natural habitat. Charter Boat Captains have access to the north end of Assateague, where 100 of the wild ponies live. (Compared to the 25 ponies on the south side of Assateague).
