Origination 
The Chincoteague (shing-kuh-TEEG) Pony originated on the barrier island of Assateague. There are about 250 ponies living on the island.  The Virginia herd of Chincoteague Ponies is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and the Maryland herd of Assateague Horses is owned by the National Park Service.
Pony Penning
Every year the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Saltwater Cowboys round up their ponies for a famous event called "Pony Penning." This takes place in the last weekend of July. The ponies swim across a channel during low tide to the neighboring island of Chincoteague where the foals are auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Pony Penning is the oldest known round up in the United States and is Chincoteague’s main attraction. People travel from all over the world to attend the swim. After the ponies swim across the channel, they are herded down Main Street and put into pens at the carnival grounds. The number of foals sold is anywhere from 50-70 and each year the Fire Company designate several foals as "Buybacks" (this means that they will spend the rest of their lives on the Island).  Due to the limited number of foals being sold, only a few lucky kids or adults will go home with a wild foal of their own, a piece of living history. Despite the fact that the foals are born wild, they bond quickly with their owners and are known to be very friendly and willing to learn.

Purchasing a foal from the annual auction is not the only way to acquire a pony. There are some private breeders dotted around the country that are dedicated to raising quality Chincoteague Ponies and promoting the breed. (For a list of those breeders please check out the Farm Directory Page.)

Misty of Chincoteague
Chincoteague ponies were originally made famous by a palomino pinto mare named Misty who had a series of books written about her by Marguerite Henry. The title of the first book is Misty of Chincoteague and was published in 1947. To learn more about Misty and her relatives please check out Misty's Heaven. 

Breed Characteristics
Chincoteague ponies are known to have strong hooves (they usually do not require shoes), a sturdy build, and resemble the mustang in many ways. They can come in many colors such as bay, chestnut, black, palomino, buckskin, and can be solid or pinto. Arabian, Mustang, Shetland, and Thoroughbred are some of the breeds that have contributed to the Chincoteague Pony.

Uses
They make wonderful children’s mounts and are often ridden by adults. They stand anywhere from 12 to 14 hands and some have been known to reach 15 hands. They are easy keepers and are used in many events such as trail riding, driving, jumping, eventing, mounted games, western riding, cattle work, and dressage. You name it, they will do it. They have fantastic personalities, love to learn tricks, and are very willing to please.