07/12/2024
Join us as we continue our countdown to the 99th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction!
The Beach Walk is a mystical event! There is something about the sound of waves crashing on shore, a salty breeze blowing, and Saltwater Cowboys on horseback leading the north herd Chincoteague ponies down the beach through a morning mist that is burning off from the rising sun. It is just that special!
On Monday, the north herd ponies will leave the northern corral on Assateague Island at 6am, led by the Saltwater Cowboys. They will cross the island and then walk down the beach to the delight of onlookers with a destination of the south herd corral. Awaiting their arrival will be the south herd ponies, which arrived in the corral on Saturday.
Attendees can bike or drive over to the Beach Walk, with the vehicular gate on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge opening at 5am. Park at the Wildlife Loop and walk or bike out to Swan Cove Trail for a quieter experience or at the beach lots to find your favorite spot north of the parking area. Parking will fill up, so plan appropriately. The ponies usually arrive at the beach parking lot around 7am.
After the walk is over, many attendees head back to their accommodation for a morning nap or to eat breakfast, but it is also an extremely pleasant time to be at the beach. Pack a chair and cooler with your breakfast and enjoy the morning with your toes in the sand at the Assateague Island National Seashore.
The ponies will be in the southern corral until Wednesday morning, so there is plenty of time to see the herd, pick out your favorite foal, and see vet checks take place on Tuesday. At that time, each pony will get a thorough exam by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s dedicated veterinary staff to make sure it is safe for them to make the swim and buyback ponies will be chosen. Any ponies not cleared to swim due to age, pregnancy, injury, etc. will be trailered over to the carnival grounds.
Tune in tomorrow for Buyback Ponies! Visit ChincoteagueChamber.com for full details.