Friday, June 19, 2026

Question: Why did the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim tradition begin?

Answer: The Chincoteague Pony Swim has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department started the event, which involved rounding up wild ponies from Assateague Island, guiding them to swim across the channel, and auctioning foals to raise funds for fire equipment after devastating fires occurred on the isolated island. Today, it helps manage the pony population and helps raise funds for the fire department to purchase new equipment.