Are you a sucker for pintos? How about round, fluffy ponies? The Chincoteague Pony combines both of those characteristics into an eye-catching pony with a rich and unusual history. Chincoteague Ponies, which actually live on Assateague Island off of the coast of Virginia, have been popularized by the best-seller, Misty of Chincoteague.

History

The exact origin of the Chincoteague Pony is a bit of a mystery. Legend has it that a Spanish galleon carrying horses was wrecked off the coast of Virginia. Some of the horses escaped and swam to the nearby Assateague Island where they evolved into the Chincoteague Pony known today. It is also possible that the Chincoteague Pony of today descends from horses that were released by colonists as early as the 1600s.

While the exact origin of the Chincoteague Pony will probably always remain unknown, rich tradition surrounds this breed. Pony penning days began as early as 1835, with the ponies being rounded up and some of them taken to the mainland to serve as riding mounts or work horses.

This pony penning became an annual event that turned into a festival, a major draw for visitors. In the early 1900s the last Wednesday and Thursday of July became the annual pony penning days, and as Assateague Island was purchased, the roundup was restructured so that the ponies were rounded up on Assateague Island and swum across the channel to Chincoteague Island. Ponies were auctioned off in 1924, and the funds raised went towards purchasing new fire equipment for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Breed Characteristics

The Chincoteague Pony typically stands between 13.2 and 14.2 hands, weighing between 800 and 900 pounds. Pinto patterns are common amongst the breed, but all solid coat colors also occur.

The Chincoteague Pony features a broad back and strong, sturdy legs. The ponies are smart and easy to train, with an excellent disposition. The ponies are hardy, being able to survive on the marsh island grasses. Because of the salty grasses they live on, the ponies drink large amounts of water which can give their bellies a bloated appearance. Their coats grow thickly, and in captivity they are easy keepers.

The Breed Today

Pony penning day remains a popular attraction, bringing approximately 50,000 attendees to Chincoteague Island each July. Ponies typically sell for between $1,000 and $2,000, and they make popular children’s mounts. The breed has been popularized by Marguerite Henry’s book Misty of Chincoteague, and the following book-inspired movie, Misty. The story of the Chincoteague Pony and the pony penning day is now shared with countless children each year.

Want to learn more about the Chincoteague Pony? Then you're in luck – there’s lots of information available about this intriguing breed. First, start with this website. Then read some of the many books that have been written about Chincoteague Ponies, including Misty of Chincoteague and Stormy, Misty’s Foal.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/navin75/7785705944

Original Source: The Chincoteague Pony