May 30, 2023
Are you ready to saddle up for some adventure? Well, giddy up because the 98th Annual Pony Swim 2023 is here! If you’re a vacationer looking for a unique festival experience, then let’s head to Chincoteague, VA.
This fun and laid back town is known for its wild pony population, and each year locals and tourists gather to watch the magnificent swim across the channel. Are you curious about the history behind this tradition? Or maybe you want to know how to make the most of your visit? Saddle up and read on, partner!
The History Behind the Pony Swim
Let’s start with a bit of history, shall we? The Chincoteague Pony Swim dates back to the 1920’s when local farmers used to let their ponies roam free on nearby Assateague Island. Read our full post about the history of the ponies here…
Each year, in order to control the herd size, the owners would round them up and swim them across the narrow channel to Chincoteague. Nowadays, the tradition has become a much-loved festival that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The ponies are auctioned off to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, who use the funds to maintain and improve the ponies’ habitat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Now, onto the important stuff- how to make the most out of your trip to the Pony Swim. First off, be prepared for early mornings and long lines. The swim typically takes place in the morning, so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
You’ll probably be standing for long periods of time, so bring comfy shoes and plenty of snacks and water. Remember that the ponies are wild animals, so keep a safe distance and don’t try to pet them!
Lastly, stick around for the post-swim festivities, including a parade downtown and a carnival with plenty of food and games.
Where to Stay and What to Do
Chincoteague is a charming island town with plenty of options for lodging, from cozy B&Bs to waterfront hotels. Make sure to book in advance, however, since accommodations can fill up quickly during festival season.
Here are some recommendations:
Besides the Pony Swim, there’s plenty to do and see in Chincoteague. Rent a boat and explore the surrounding marshes, go beach-combing for seashells, or tour the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see native wildlife like the endangered piping plover. Read our blog about the refuge by clicking here.
And of course, no trip to Chincoteague is complete without trying the town’s famous seafood dishes, like clam chowder and oyster stew.
Let’s Ride!
Yee-haw, we did it! We’ve saddled up for a wild ride through the 98th Annual Pony Swim in Chincoteague, VA. We learned about the history behind the tradition, how to make the most of our visit, and all the fun things to see and do in this charming town. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cowboy hat and head on over to Chincoteague to see the majestic ponies make their way across the channel. Giddy up!
More Stories
Thanks for reading all about the 98th Annual Pony Swim. Click here and you will find a lot more articles on the region. And you can read all about the 97th Annual Pony Swim here…this will give you an idea of the schedule for this year’s events until they post more about it!
Another article to check out is the history of the pony’s. You can read that by clicking here.
