What are Chincoteague Ponies used for?

How big do Chincoteague horses get?

While phenotypically horses, the Chincoteague is most often referred to as a pony breed. Chincoteagues average around 13.2 hands (54 inches, 137 cm) in their feral state, but grow to at least 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) when domesticated and provided better nutrition. They generally weigh around 850 pounds (390 kg).

Are Assateague horses the same as Chincoteague horses?

Both herds feature horses of the same short and stocky breed, known as the Chincoteague Pony or the Assateague Horse–but again, don’t let the names confuse you. Genetically, no matter what side of the fence they’re on, the horses are pretty much the same.

What happens to the horses on Chincoteague Island?

Since many of the Chincoteague foals are auctioned off to the public, the Virginia horses are wormed and vaccinated. They’re also designated to inhabit specific parts of the island, where they’re provided with food and water.

Is Misty of Chincoteague Horse Crazy?

She is more than a little horse crazy and has been obsessed with the Misty of Chincoteague book series since she first read their pages. To be honest I didn’t protest much because the whole idea of wild horses wandering a population-less island seemed very dreamy to me.

How big does an Assateague horse get?

Quick Information Other Names Assateague Horse, Assateague Pony Behavioral Characteristics Obedient, lively, willing, docile Physical Traits With a strong, well-built stature, they … Coat Colors All standard colors including bay, black … Height/Size 12-13.2 hands (few domesticated individu … 10 more rows

How to find horses on Chincoteague Island?

Finding the Chincoteague ponies along the shore. If possible, get to the park in the morning as early as you can especially if you are visiting in late Spring or summer when it tends to be hot. When the weather is warm during midday the horses retreat to the forest to stay cool.

Who handles the horses on Chincoteague Island?

If that’s the case, then today you’re going to learn something new! Because the horses are handled by two separate entities–the National Park Service on the Maryland side (your “Assateague ponies”) and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department on the Virginia side.

Where did the Chincoteague Ponies come from?

History of the Chincoteague Ponies Wild ponies have inhabited Assateague Island for hundreds of years. Some have suggested that the wild ponies of Assateague trace their origin to horses released to forage on the Island by early settlers.

Are the horses on Assateague Island related to each other?

“The horses that live on the Virginia portion of the island, going back centuries, probably have similar descendants,” said Liz Davis, a public information officer for Assateague at the National Park Service. “They were probably one in the same herd that ran freely around the island.”

Are “Assateague ponies” and “Chincoteague ponies” the same?

You’ve probably heard the terms “Assateague ponies” and “Chincoteague ponies” used interchangeably, so if you’ve ever gotten the two confused or just flat-out thought that they were the same thing, you’re not alone.

Can you swim on Chincoteague Island?

The ponies including a brand new foal were grazing off the beach in the most magical way. Chincoteague Island Beach is a must during the summer months. During the day when it is hot and the ponies are hiding is a great time to enjoy a swim and picnic on the beach.

How big is Assateague State Park?

Assateague State Park comprises almost 800 acres (3. 2 km 2) and lies in Maryland within the National Seashore. The state park is the most developed area on the island with 350 campsites. Most of the water around the island is within the boundaries of the national seashore. The island has a land area of 24.

How do they keep the horses on Chincoteague?

The horses graze on Chincoteague under a grazing permit from the National Fish and Wildlife Service, who owns the land. To continue raising money to this day and to keep the Virginia horse population at 150 or less, as required by the FWS, the yearly pony roundup and auctioning-off keeps the population controlled.

Who owns the horses on Chincoteague?

Today, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department privately owns the Virginia herd. The horses graze on Chincoteague under a grazing permit from the National Fish and Wildlife Service, who owns the land.

What is the name of the horse on Assateague Island?

A fence on the Maryland-Virginia line on Assateague separates the two herds of wild horses. Both herds feature horses of the same short and stocky breed, known as the Chincoteague Pony or the Assateague Horse–but again, don’t let the names confuse you.

Are there wild horses on Chincoteague Island?

On the Virginia side of the state line, the resident wild horses are known as the “Chincoteague” ponies. This herd consists of more than 150 horses owned and managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Why are they called ponies on Assateague Island?

The breed was made famous by the Misty of Chincoteague series of novels written by Marguerite Henry starting in 1947. While phenotypically horse-like, they are commonly called “ponies”. This is due in part to their smaller stature, created by the poor habitat on Assateague Island.

What do Chincoteague ponies look like?

Chincoteague Ponies are stocky, with short legs, thick manes, and large, round bellies. Assateague Island is a harsh environment for the Ponies and their diet is limited. The Ponies have adapted to the limited diet over the hundreds of years they have lived on Assateague.

When is the Pony Swim and auction at Chincoteague?

The pony swim and auction usually takes place in July, and due to our trip schedule, we won’t be able to see them this year. If you’re planning on attending make sure to get the official dates from Chincoteague Island and make sure to plan ahead.

Why do they round up horses on Assateague Island?

Initially, unclaimed animals were marked for ownership by groups of settlers. By 1885, the event had become a festival day, and two days of horse and sheep roundups were held on Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. While the sheep population diminished over time, the pony population grew.

How many horses are on Assateague Island?

There are two herds on Assateague Island, separated by state lines: the Maryland herd currently has 89 horses, managed by the National Park Service; while the southern herd of 150 ponies graze on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge land, but are actually owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.