Is the Chincoteague Pony Swim canceled?
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. — The annual wild pony swim on Virginia’s Chincoteague Island has been canceled for the second year in a row because of the coronavirus pandemic.
When did the Chincoteague pony swim start?
1925
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Dept. began to hold it’s annual carnival in 1925 with an auction of some of the wild ponies after the pony swim. At the carnival, some of the foals & yearlings are auctioned off before the wild ponies swim back to Assateague Island a couple days later.
Why do they do the Chincoteague pony swim?
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 Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company uses the proceeds from the auction to buy fire fighting equipment and to provide veterinary care for the herd.
Is the Chincoteague pony swim humane?
Both the Pony Penning and the Pony Swim are anachronisms that have long compromised animal welfare and safety. The HSUS can say little in favor of the fundraiser or the claim that it supports a viable population management plan for the horses at Chincoteague and Assateague.
Which is better Chincoteague or Assateague?
One of the best reasons to visit Chincoteague is to go to the beach! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.
How much do Chincoteague ponies sell for?
2019 – 57 ponies sold, average cost $4,767, high bid $17,500, low bid $1,400, total sales $271,700.
Why do horses swim from Assateague to Chincoteague?
Pony Auction The purpose of the pony swim on Wednesday is to move the ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned.
Can you touch the horses at Assateague Island?
Petting or feeding the wild horses may seem like a harmless and fun thing to do, but the consequences can be terrible. For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch or feed the Assateague horses.
Can you stay on Assateague Island?
Can I stay overnight on Assateague Island? Camping is available in the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore and in the Maryland State Park. In Virginia, there are privately owned campgrounds on nearby Chincoteague Island. Motels are located in Ocean City, MD and Chincoteague, VA.
How much does it cost to go to Assateague?
Assateague Island National Seashore Changes Entrance Fee to Meet Standardization Requirement
| Per Vehicle | Park Specific Annual Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Current | $20 | $40 |
| Jan 1, 2020 | $25 | $45 |
How much does it cost to get on Assateague Island?
Assateague Island National Seashore has had an entrance fee since 1971. The current rate of $20 per vehicle or $15 per motorcycle has been in effect since 2015. The park is one of 112 National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee, the other 307 national parks will remain free to enter.
Can you swim on Assateague Island?
Assateague State Park has one of the best swimming beaches in the area, and with water temperatures in the 70s during summer, many people get in the water as soon they get here. Kayaking and swimming in the calm bay side waters are absolutely fun too, and more secluded.
When is the pony swim at Chincoteague Island?
The Chincoteague Wild Pony Swim & Auction will be held the last consective Wednesday & Thursday of July (swim on Wed & auction on Thurs). The exact time is not mentioned until the day prior to the event (due to tidal conditions). During the pony swim, approx. 40,000 visitors wait along what many say is a “very crowded” shoreline.
Where can I watch the Pony Swim in Assateague?
After watching the pony swim, visitors can attend the Chincoteague Carnival. An auction takes place before the ponies swim back to Assateague Island. The Pony Swim is usually broadcast live by the “Good Morning America” show.
Where are the Saltwater Cowboys on Chincoteague Island?
The Saltwater Cowboys will begin rounding them up into the South Corral Saturday afternoon beginning at about 4:30 pm. The South Corral is located on Assateague, in front of the Woodland Trail parking lot, just off the road that leads to the beach. The South Corral is accessible to the public.
Where to see the horses on Assateague Island?
Assateague Explorer departs from the Assateague Nature Centre (the closest dock to Assateague with the best access to all herds of horses along the island). See the lighthouse, bald eagles, dolphins, birds and other wildlife along the way. Look at the daily tour photos .
