98th ANNUAL CHINCOTEAGUE PONY SWIM - July 26, 2023

98th ANNUAL CHINCOTEAGUE PONY SWIM - July 26, 2023
Folks from around the world gathered this morning to watch the 98 year tradition of Pony Swim on Chincoteague Iskand, VA; many there before daybreak.
Just after 10am, USCG Station Chincoteague set off the orange flare to advise the Saltwater Cowboys back in the marsh that slack tide had arrived. The Cowboys brought over 200 Chincoteague Ponies through the remaining marsh to swim the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island. After resting for about 45 minutes, the Ponies were paraded through the streets and arrived safely at the Carnival Ground corral. The ponies will be there until tomorrow morning's auction at 8am.
Learn more about Pony Swim Events at www.chincoteaguechamber.com the official tourism website of Chincoteague Island.
#PonySwim2023 #ChincoteaguePonies #LoveCIVA #LoveVA #VisitVA #VirginiaIsForPonyLovers #VAsOfficialPony #YoullLoveWhereWeTakeYou #98Years

[@peggy9496]

Love watching the ponies swim

[@peggy9496]

I seen the pony swim 4yrs ago

[@emmas..an..equestrian]

This makes me cry… i forgot how the foals sounded as they cried for their moms, how beautiful it was. i go every year but still i forget just how wonderful it is. i miss chincoteague.

[@krazedvintagemodel]

These views were great. Thank you so much!

[@davebowrin7361]

I vacationed there during the pony swim. It was an amazing experience 😊😊❤❤

[@lindseykistler2754]

I watched the livestream at work. I can’t be to contain myself from not clapping when they sent the ponies in lol

[@debbycolflesh7892]

Love the ponies.

[@JohnLeighow]

Thanks for sharing

[@vapoet]

Was there this year, but we didn't head out for that swim. We went to the auction and the swim back, which was a lot less crowded. And I was able to get close to Riptide, something that most of the other ponies couldn't do.

[@GracePlayz__]

I love Riptide's herd!! There is a new colt and 2 fillies' in the herd!

[@cherylray1981]

Left the area 2 days early!!! Sorry we missed this!!!

[@kenziewelch2582]

Are there boat rentals ?? Planning a trip in the next two years for this as a birthday present for my mom, who is a horse lover and a misty fan

[@chincoteaguechamber]

We have charter boats and kayak tours/rentals that will take you to the swim, but we also have boat rentals. You can learn more at www.chincoteaguechamber.com or call our office!

[@JustinBrulinski]

I have never seen them

[@susanfadule9527]

Where does it start on the island?

[@chincoteaguechamber]

The Chincoteague Ponies leave the South Herd Corral on Wednesday morning, walk through marsh to the point visible from Tom's Cove Park campground and Veteran's Memorial Park. They then swim across the channel and come ashore on Chincoteague at Pony Swim Lane.

[@marycad1160]

How deep is the water? I hope none of them got hurt.

[@chincoteaguechamber]

Not sure about the actual depth but the ponies are able to walk a ways out before they start to swim. This is not the only time the ponies swim. They quite often can be seen swimming to small tumps of land off the shore to enjoy fresh marsh grass.

[@vapoet]

They are Island ponies and are pretty good swimmers.

[@vapoet]

@@chincoteaguechamber You may know. I saw Bech Boy in the crowd during the swim back, but didn't see Riptide, Did he get trailered again?

[@chincoteaguechamber]

@@vapoet Riptide did swim back!!

[@chincoteaguechamber]

@@vapoet Riptide did swim back on Friday!

[@Moshugaani]

But... why? :D Granted, it's cute to see ponies swim. But why? :D

[@vapoet]

It's tradition. It was the way they brought the ponies to Chincoteague to sell the foals before the bridge between the islands was built. This was the 98th year. It should be said that the ponies are natural swimmers anyway, growing up on the island and swimming from marsh to marsh.

[@rachelwarner2139]

Our first trip to Pony Swim. Amazing!! We were on one of the boats.

[@vapoet]

@@rachelwarner2139 How far in advance did you need to make reservations?

[@rachelwarner2139]

I booked accommodations a year in advance. I’ve already booked for 2024.

[@vapoet]

@@rachelwarner2139 I figured as much.

[@7ann7seven13]

Could birth defects be a reason caused by inbreeding?

[@trinahensley1062]

Sorry but this is cruel

[@vapoet]

This is not odd behavior for island ponies. When they get to the other side, they get to eat VERY well and the auction maintains a healthy herd.

[@ariellewilson730]

You know nothing about the pony swim. Also, don't you know that they can only keep 150 ponies?

[@3piper]

A swim like this is nothing to these island ponies. The pony swim brings tourists from all over and they put money into that little town. The last thing anyone would do is mistreat these ponies

[@vapoet]

@@ariellewilson730 Well. 300 total, 150 in Virginia and 150 in Maryland.

[@vapoet]

@@3piper People know the pones by name. They know their personalities, their temperment, and even island gossip about their naughty behavior. Riptide was the talk of the entire island this year,