Pony Swim

According to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the Pony Swim started with penning livestock on Chincoteague.

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. - This year’s Pony Swim will mark the 100th anniversary of ponies crossing the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island. 

According to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the Pony Swim started with penning livestock on Chincoteague. Penning was a way for livestock owners to claim, brand, break and harness loose herds, with the earliest known description of Pony Penning being published in 1835.