Chincoteague
Pony Swim
100th Anniversary
(1925 - 2025)
Pony Swim Tours
Celebrating 100 Years of the Chincoteague Pony Swim
A Century of Tradition, Community, and Wild Ponies
In 2025, Chincoteague Island will proudly celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world-famous Pony Swim—a tradition that began in 1925 and has grown into one of the most cherished and iconic wildlife events in the country. Each year, thousands of visitors from all over the world gather to witness the incredible sight of wild ponies swimming across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island, guided by the legendary Saltwater Cowboys, who also serve as the island’s Volunteer Fire Company.
The Pony Swim is more than just a single event—it’s the heart of an entire week of celebration, known locally as Pony Penning Week. For islanders, this is “Chincoteague Christmas”—a time filled with energy, tradition, community pride, and deep-rooted love for the ponies and the people who care for them.
🗓️ Pony Penning Week Schedule – What to Expect
The excitement stretches across seven days of unforgettable events, usually beginning the Saturday before the last Wednesday in July, when the swim takes place. Here’s a breakdown of the week:
- Saturday – Southern Herd Roundup
The Saltwater Cowboys begin the festivities by rounding up the Southern Herd from the Virginia side of Assateague Island and moving them to the Southern Corral, located near the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge entrance. This event is open to the public and offers great opportunities to see the ponies up close in their natural habitat. - Sunday – Northern Herd Roundup
The Northern Herd—which lives farther up Assateague Island near the Maryland border—is rounded up and brought to a separate holding area. This section of the island is not open to the public, but tickets for specialty access tours may be available through the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce. - Monday – The Beach Walk
One of the most magical moments of the week. At sunrise, the Northern Herd is escorted along the beach by the Saltwater Cowboys to join the Southern Herd. Visitors line the shoreline to watch this peaceful and beautiful migration against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. - Tuesday – Pony Checkups & Carnival
Local veterinarians perform health checks on the ponies to ensure they’re ready for the swim. That evening, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival opens—offering games, rides, food, and fun for the whole family. - Wednesday – The Pony Swim
The main event! At slack tide (the safest time to cross the channel), the ponies swim from Assateague to Chincoteague Island, a spectacle witnessed by up to 50,000 spectators. The swim typically occurs between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., depending on tide conditions. After a rest period, the ponies are paraded down Main Street to the Carnival Grounds. The first foal to come ashore is named King or Queen Neptune and is raffled off later that day.There is no charge to watch the swim at Memorial Park, and large viewing screens are typically provided for better visibility. For details on accessibility and transportation, contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at (757) 336-6161. - Thursday – Pony Auction
Held at the Carnival Grounds, the annual Pony Auction raises funds for the Fire Company and helps manage the herd’s size. Some ponies are purchased as “buybacks”, meaning they’re returned to the wild and the buyer earns naming rights—a favorite tradition among long-time attendees. - Friday – The Swim Back
The remaining ponies make the return swim from Chincoteague back to Assateague, where they’ll live until next year’s Pony Penning. While not as widely attended, this event is equally special and much quieter. - Saturday – Closing Celebrations
Pony Penning Week wraps up with the final night of the Fireman’s Carnival, closing out a week of unforgettable memories, community spirit, and celebration of a tradition 100 years strong.
❤️ More Than a Tradition—It’s a Community Legacy
The Chincoteague Pony Swim is deeply tied to the identity of the island, its people, and its history. The event was made world-famous by the beloved children’s book “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry, published in 1947. Since then, the Pony Swim has become a bucket-list experience for families, horse lovers, and adventurers from around the world.
All proceeds from the event benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and cares for the Virginia herds. Their work, along with the dedication of the Saltwater Cowboys, helps protect and preserve this special tradition for generations to come.
📢 A Note from Wild Pony Boat Tours
As expected for this milestone year, our tours for the week of the 100th Anniversary Pony Swim are fully booked. We’re grateful for the overwhelming support and encourage visitors to enjoy the many other public events throughout the week. If you’re lucky enough to be on the island during this incredible time, soak it in—you’re witnessing history.
From all of us at Wild Pony Boat Tours—thank you for being part of the story. We’re honored to share in the legacy of Chincoteague and look forward to celebrating this unforgettable moment with our community and guests.
