Pony

In the 1600s, a Spanish ship sank off the coast of what would later be Virginia and Maryland
and in the United States. Seventeen horses of Arabian breeding escaped the sinking ship and swam ashore on the islands of Chincoteague and Assateague. Eating briar stems, seaweed and beach grass, the horses managed to survive, but became stunted in the harsh environment. Their descendants became the breed known today as the Chincoteague Pony. There are two groups of these unique ponies: the “Maryland Herd,” owned by the Maryland Park Service, and the “Virginia Herd,” owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. Each July, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department rounds up their ponies and at low tide swims them across the channel to Virginia where the foals are sold at public auction.

Conformation:

Attractive head. Short to medium-length neck. Strong, compact and well-proportioned body. Strong, short legs. Tough hooves. Low-set tail. Thick mane and tail.

Characteristics:

Mostly pinto colored, with white combined with a solid color, such as black, bay, sorrel, palomino, or strawberry roan. Solid-colored black, sorrel and chestnut Chincoteague Ponies are also found. Easy keepers.

Temperament:

Intelligent, kind and pleasant-natured. Gentle, playful and people-oriented. Good child’s mount.

How tall is it?

Up to 14.2 hands

What can I use it for?

English and Western disciplines, trail riding and driving.

Where does it come from?

United States, North America