On Assateague Island—an island off the eastern coast of Delmarva in Virginia and Maryland, United States—150 wild Chincoteague ponies are gathered for a pony swim.
This annual tradition is lead by volunteers called the Saltwater Cowboys. Once the ponies are gathered, they are paraded around the carnival grounds before a grand auction. The purpose of the auction is to control the size of the herd and to fundraise for the community’s volunteer Fire Company. Some of the fundraised money goes towards providing veterinary care for the ponies.
After the festivities, the ponies are guided by cowboys to the eastern shore of Virginia, and they bravely make their way back home across the Assateague Channel. It’s a week-long tradition that is a very important part of the community. It’s always nice to see people and nature working together! As for the idea of swimming ponies… that takes the word "sea horse" to another level!
Not on front page