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A little history about Chincoteague
Chincoteague is a town on an island with the very
same name, in Virginia's eastern shore region. It is said
to be named after the Chincoteague Indians, though
it is said they lived on the main land and not the island.
Some say the word Chincoteague means "Beautiful
Land Across the Water", while others say
Chincoteague is an Indian word for "large stream" or
"inlet". It is also a gateway to the National Wildlife
Refuge on Assateague Island, which has beautiful
beaches and the famous Chincoteague Wild Ponies.
"inlet".
The Chincoteague Pony is a small but sturdy horse. I observed many reaching 14hands, but most are around 13hands tall. They have adapted to their environment over the years by eating dune and marsh grasses and drinking fresh water from ponds. The herds run in both Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland herd is managed by the National Park Service which leaves the ponies pretty much on their own against nature.
The Virginia side herd is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. They are managed by the Saltwater Cowboys and Firefighters who care for the sick and hurt, and also provide supplements for healthy ponies and foals. They even make sure all ponies have their vaccinations and coggins testing done. There are three round ups per year. One in the spring and one in the fall and of course the one everyone knows, Pony Penning Days.
Virginia