Giddy-up, Delmarva.
The 98th annual Chincoteague Island Pony Penning and Swim is back for yet another year on the island where wild ponies roam.
Pony Penning returned to its full glory in 2022 after a two-year COVID-19 in-person hiatus. The nearly 100-year tradition, whose roots are as deep as the marsh mud, includes the Pony Swim on Wednesday and Pony Auction on Thursday. The auction is the biggest annual fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which manages the wild pony herd on Assateague Island.
Here’s everything you need to know about the island’s historic pony celebration and festivities, which begin Sunday, July 23, and continue for the next big week.
2022 PONY SWIM:Chincoteague Pony Swim 2022 returns to full glory. ‘It gives you chills’
‘A time of homecoming’
Pony Penning is a time of homecoming, according to the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center. Whether attendees have lived on Chincoteague their entire life or only for a short season, the last week of July is a pilgrimage to rekindle, reconnect and recharge with family and friends during this exciting week of pony fever.
Thousands line the shores of Veterans Memorial Park and Pony Swim Lane to watch the world-famous Chincoteague Ponies make their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. Charter boats and kayaks filled with eager onlookers line the Assateague Channel, creating a pathway for the ponies as they make their yearly swim from shore to shore.
HISTORY:Did Chincoteague ponies come from a Spanish shipwreck? Centuries-old tooth adds to legend
The town of Chincoteague will provide enhanced viewing of the event on a large Jumbotron located at Veterans Memorial Park and provide free shuttle bus service to the event beginning at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26. The shuttle operates on Wednesday only. When shuttle service ends on Swim Day, the Pony Express Trolley will begin running at 1 p.m. to assist.
Visit www.chincoteaguechamber.com/pony-penning and the chamber’s Facebook page for any updates, a shuttle map and information including where to park, helpful hints and a full schedule of events.
Roundups and vet checks
Festivities are set to kick off on Saturday, July 22, with the South Herd Roundup at about 7 a.m. at the South corral on Beach Road. The North Herd will be rounded up on Sunday, July 23. The North Herd of wild Chincoteague Ponies will join the South Herd to await the “big day” in the traditional Beach Walk on Assateague Island at 6 a.m. on Monday, July 24. Vet checks will be given on Tuesday, July 25, ahead of the annual swim and parade.
CHINCOTEAGUE PONIES:Three Chincoteague herd foals die ahead of 2023 Pony Penning
Pony Swim and auction
The annual swim on Wednesday, July 26, will occur at the earliest morning slack tide. The estimated swim window will be between 8:30-10:30 a.m. The auction of foals is set to take place on Thursday, July 27, at 8 a.m. at the Carnival Grounds located at 3648 Main St. The auction will also feature a virtual component, so those planning to bid online are advised to register beforehand.
CHINCOTEAGUE:Beebe Ranch, home to Misty of Chincoteague, gets its savior as museum completes purchase
Additional festivities
The week’s events culminate with the return swim of the South Herd adult ponies to Assateague Island on Friday, July 28, with a time to be determined after the swim on Wednesday. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival will be open from July 21-22 and July 24-29 from 7-11 p.m. featuring rides, games, raffles and fabulous Eastern Shore food including oyster and clam fritters. The last night of the carnival will be celebrated with a huge fireworks display on July 29.
Come early to enjoy the 35th annual Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival, Misty’s Birthday Party, Buckaroo Bingo, free showings of “Misty of Chincoteague,” Music at the Dock, Storytelling, Farmers and Artisans Market, and more fun events that take place throughout the month of July.
Stop by the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center located at 6733 Maddox Boulevard to learn more, visit the Events Page of the chamber’s website, or download the Chincoteague app (see QR code below) for details on these and many other events and activities.
Chincoteague Pony named Virginia’s State Pony
The wild Chincoteague Ponies have attained celebrity status through the years. In recognition of the beloved animals, the Chincoteague Pony has become the official state pony of the Commonwealth of Virginia as of Saturday, July 1.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin officially signed off on bills making the official pony designation official on March 27, Delmarva Now previously reported. Sen. Lynwood Lewis’ bill SB1478 passed unanimously while a companion bill — HB 1951 — cleared the House of Delegates with a 93-7 vote during the 2023 General Assembly session.
RELATED:Meet the teen Chincoteague ponies champion who led in making them Virginia’s official pony
17-year-old Sophia Gallivan’s longstanding passion for horses and the horse industry led her to become an advocate for the bill that has been passed into law. Gallivan, a member of the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team and a 4-H Virginia Horse Ambassador, was most honored by the support of the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin.
According to the State Symbols USA website, Virginia is now the 18th state in the country to have an equine member as its state symbol. “Virginia is For Pony Lovers” commemorative T-shirts can be purchased at the Chamber Office.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
