Virginia’s Chincoteague Pony Swim’s 100th Anniversary

Each summer, thousands of people visit Chincoteague Island to see one of Virginia’s most unique traditions: the Chincoteague Pony Swim. In 2025, the island will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this popular event, where wild ponies swim across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague.

The Swim started back in 1925 as a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Since then, it’s grown into a major summer event that supports the community and helps manage the pony population. The Saltwater Cowboys, a group of local firefighters turned riders, guide the ponies across the water during slack tide, when the current is calm. It’s quick, usually just a few minutes, but it’s the main attraction of the week.

Events begin the weekend prior to Wednesday’s spectacular Pony Swim, as the Cowboys on horseback round up the approximately 150 adult wild ponies that live on Assateague Island, along with the 60 to 70 foals that were born in the spring. The Beach Walk, one of the most stunningly visual events occurs Monday, early in the morning, when the Cowboys move the ponies from the Northern Corral out to the beachfront then south along the Atlantic Ocean and join them with the ponies in the Southern Corral.

After Wednesday’s swim, there’s a day of vet checks, to ensure the health of the herd, followed by auction day where some of the foals are sold to raise money for the fire department and to help maintain a manageable herd size. Some ponies are marked as “buybacks,” – purchased and then returned to live on Assateague. This helps the herd remain strong and keeps the tradition alive.

On Friday the ponies make the return swim to Assateague Island where they will live in the wild for another year. The locals will tell you, secretly on the side, that the return swim back to Assateague is the best pony swim to see. It’s not as crowded and the ponies graze along the shoreline and slowly migrate back into the wilderness giving visitors plenty of time for pony watching.

Another great way to take in the Chincoteague Pony Swim is by kayak and numerous local companies supply rentals – just make sure to book well in advance.

The Chincoteague Pony Swim isn’t just about the ponies, though. It’s a community celebration that includes The Fireman’s Carnival, open every weekend in July, featuring rides, games, food, and live music. There are also chances to meet the ponies up close, and of course, enjoy some fresh, local seafood.

Many visitors also know the story of Misty of Chincoteague, a real-life pony auctioned during a Pony Swim and made famous by Marguerite Henry’s 1947 children’s book. Misty helped put the island and the Swim on the map, and her legacy is still a major part of the experience today. Many fans make Beebe Ranch in Chincoteague, where Misty and her foal Stormy once resided, part of their visit to the Island. The Ranch is now a museum dedicated to Misty and Stormy’s story, allowing visitors an even deeper connection to this beloved tale. The children’s book was so popular in its time, it was even made into a movie. Misty of Chincoteague shows at the Island Theatre numerous days during Pony Swim week. Admission is free and is first come first served.

This year’s 100th Pony Swim is expected to draw even larger crowds. The Fire Company and local organizations are planning extra events and commemorations.

The Pony Swim is a fun and meaningful experience. It’s about connecting with nature, supporting a small town with a unique culture, and enjoying a tradition that’s been going strong for a century. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this year’s 100^th anniversary event is a great opportunity to be part of something special – as is every year beyond.

Don’t forget your camera, your sunscreen, and your sense of adventure. The ponies are waiting.

Know Before You Go

Date of Swim: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (exact time depends on slack tide, usually mid-morning)
Auction Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Carnival Dates: Every weekend from June 27 through August 2 at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds
Where to Watch: The swim takes place between Assateague and Chincoteague Islands. Arrive early for parking and security checks.

INSIDER TIP: If a visit to Chincoteague Island, Virginia isn’t in the cards during an official Pony Swim, don’t despair. A trip anytime during the year offers up opportunities to see the famous wild ponies in their natural habitat within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can observe them from various locations, including the south herd from the main road leading to the beach and the north herd by hiking or biking on the Service Road. Boat tours are also a great way to explore the Refuge. Many tour boat companies offer scenic nature cruises that allow you to see the ponies from the water, offering a unique perspective. Cowboy Cruise Company is just one option. Owned by Captain Hunter, a fourth generation Saltwater Cowboy whose family has been part of the fire company and management of the ponies since the beginning in 1925, tour attendees are treated to a wealth of insider knowledge on a Cowboy Cruise – including the names and heritages of all the ponies they see during their tour!

Find out more here.