Horseback Riding Vacation on Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Walter Farley’s Black Stallion book series and Margueritte Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague series; if you are a horse lover, you probably read these books growing up in your youth. It’s probably a safe bet that you collected Breyer model horses and perhaps hung a horse shoe over your bedroom door frame for good luck. Imagine going on a horseback riding vacation in Chincoteague Island, Virginia and seeing the ponies of Chincoteague?
Chincoteague Island Pony Swim
Mark July 28th on your calendar, as that is the day Saltwater Cowboys round up the wild horses of Assateague Island to swim across the Assateague Channel to Virginia’s Chincoteague Island. After resting, the wild ponies are then herded by the cowboys to auction at the carnival grounds. Traditionally, the first pony to reach Chincoteague Island is crowned King if it is a colt, or Queen if it is a mare and raffled off to the winning ticket holder.
Chincoteague Island Pony Round up
While the Pony Swim began on Chincoteague Island in the 1850s, the pony round up is a festive summer celebration each July. Now in its 85th year, The Chincoteague Firemen’s Carnival, pony swim and auction benefits the local volunteer fire department. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd of wild horses, keeping the size of the herd to approximately 150 head of adult horses to protect the natural resources of the island.
Virginia Horseback Riding Vacation
I’ve yet to visit Virginia’s Chincoteague Island. When I do go on a horseback riding vacation in Virginia, I’ll probably visit during the off season when the ponies can be experienced without fireworks and large crowds.
Have you traveled to Chincoteague Island, chatted with a Saltwater Cowboy or pet a wild pony?
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