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 ponies are typically quite small, which makes them good for children and small adults to ride. They are found in every color and are known for their kind disposition. After living in such spare conditions for so long, they are very hardy and easy keepers. Whilst living on the island they often appear to be quite fat. This is not the case, it is mostly the huge quantities of water they need to drink after eating the salty marsh grass.
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.
For many years the event has been a huge tourist attraction. Around fifty thousand people will come to the island just to watch the swim and attend the auction, even if they have no interest in actually buying one of these distinctive animals. They are considered to be very intelligent and exceptionally hardy due to living in such a harsh environment.
The annual pony auction began as a way to make money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The fire company was started in the 1920's after some serious brush fires on the island. Selling the ponies was a logical way to keep the numbers under control as well as raise funds for the newly formed department.
Some of the animals can make nice family pets. Around eighty years ago it was observed that the ponies were very small and had numerous faults, this was due to many years of in breeding. Several good stallions were brought in to add new blood lines and improve the stock. This worked well and the typical pony on the island today still shows characteristics of the Arabian and mustang blood from many generations ago.
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.
Owning one of the Chincoteague ponies is a very special privilege. They are a rare breed with a wonderful story behind them. However, only experienced horse people should go to the auctions to buy a pony. They are basically feral animals that have not been handled by humans and require a lot of skilled training to make them into useful domestic pets.
The ponies are typically quite small, which makes them good for children and small adults to ride. They are found in every color and are known for their kind disposition. After living in such spare conditions for so long, they are very hardy and easy keepers. Whilst living on the island they often appear to be quite fat. This is not the case, it is mostly the huge quantities of water they need to drink after eating the salty marsh grass.
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.
For many years the event has been a huge tourist attraction. Around fifty thousand people will come to the island just to watch the swim and attend the auction, even if they have no interest in actually buying one of these distinctive animals. They are considered to be very intelligent and exceptionally hardy due to living in such a harsh environment.
The annual pony auction began as a way to make money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The fire company was started in the 1920's after some serious brush fires on the island. Selling the ponies was a logical way to keep the numbers under control as well as raise funds for the newly formed department.
Some of the animals can make nice family pets. Around eighty years ago it was observed that the ponies were very small and had numerous faults, this was due to many years of in breeding. Several good stallions were brought in to add new blood lines and improve the stock. This worked well and the typical pony on the island today still shows characteristics of the Arabian and mustang blood from many generations ago.
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.
Owning one of the Chincoteague ponies is a very special privilege. They are a rare breed with a wonderful story behind them. However, only experienced horse people should go to the auctions to buy a pony. They are basically feral animals that have not been handled by humans and require a lot of skilled training to make them into useful domestic pets.
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