The sun is out and the air sticky with humidity as thousands gather together in anticipation on the island where wild ponies roam to watch the Chincoteague ponies glide across the serene Assateague Channel for the 98th annual Chincoteague Island Pony Swim.
The estimated time for the swim, set to take place during “slack tide,” is between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The window changes each year with the tide.
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.
Pony fever reaches an all-time high each year as Pony Penning week kicks off. Hordes of onlookers make the trek to “rekindle, reconnect, and recharge with family and friends” during the island’s celebration.
On Wednesday, charter boats and kayaks filled with spectators lined the Assateague Channel, creating a pathway for the ponies to make their yearly swim from shore to shore. The town of Chincoteague provides a large Jumbotron located at Veterans Memorial Park to help with viewing.
Find out which pony will be named King or Queen Neptune (the first to make landfall) by following along with Delmarva Now. This live report will update throughout the day, following the Pony Swim, rest period and parade.
Crossing off an item on ‘dad’s bucket list’ with photos of special day
Julie Holtzer came more than prepared for today’s Pony Swim. Holtzer, who is from Bristow, Virginia, stood at the front of the picket fence, ankle deep in the mud and marsh grass, dressed in coveralls and rubber boots.
“I saw some pictures online and people were waist deep in mud,” she said with a laugh. “So I decided to wear my waders.”
Today is a special day for the 57-year-old. It’s her first ever Pony Swim on Chincoteague Island. She is also here honoring her father, who is celebrating his 91st birthday today.
Tears sprung to her eyes, her voice thick with emotion, as she spoke of him.
“It’s on my dad’s bucket list,” she said.
She plans on sending him photos and videos, as well as calling him on FaceTime to share in the excitement together.
2023 PONY SWIM:Chincoteague Island Pony Swim and Auction returns for its 98th year. Here’s all to know.
2022 PONY SWIM:Chincoteague Pony Swim 2022 returns to full glory. ‘It gives you chills’
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.
