If you are fortunate enough to buy a Chincoteague Pony foal in utero we give constent updates on the status of the mare and breeding.  It is exciting to be part of the breeder's process so early on.  As Chincoteague Pony breeders we're excited to be part of this wonderful pony's world. All of our breeding herd of Chincoteague Ponies is registered with the Chincoteague Pony Association.

These unique, heritage breed ponies can do anything!  The Chincoteague Ponies are used for driving, English, Western, Hunter/Jumper and Sport ponies.  Their animation and smooth gait make them a favorite in the show ring.  Their easy going disposition and natural attraction to people make them a favorite with their owners. These hardy, friendly ponies make great mounts for children as well as adults.  The Chincoteague Pony at maturity will usually stand between 13 and 14.2 hands.

FUN FACT: Did you know that George Washington owned a Chincoteague Pony?  Washington once rode his Chincoteague pony, "Chinky," 147 miles from Mount Vernon to Williamsburg in a single day.

Only about 60 foals are sold each year at the annual pony penning on Chincoteague and there are not many active breeders of these great ponies.  Owning one is definitely a unique and rewarding experience.

Chincoteague Pony Breeders Association     

This is such an amazingly friendly and versatile breed that we want everyone to know about them!  Because I feel so strongly about this great breed I have organized and founded the

Chincoteague Pony Breeders Association.  This is a select group of quality breeders from coast to coast.  At the CPBA we are dedicated to perserving the breed and promoting education about them.  If you want more information on Chincoteagues, are interested in having a presentation on the breed or a Chincoteague Pony at your equestrian venue contact me and I will help to connect you to the best breeding farm for your need! The Chincoteague Pony Breeders Association website is now up and running so please visit us at http://www.chincoteagueponyba.org.

History of the Chincoteague Pony

How did these ponies ever get to Assateague Island off the coast Virginia?

The legend is that these ponies swam ashore to Assateague Island from a Spanish vessel named the Santo Cristo which had capsized around the century 1600.  It's cargo of horses  was  to go to  the Viceroy of Peru and help in the gold mines.

Another theory on how the ponies came to Assateague Island is that early settlers turned them loose there to avoid paying taxes on them.

Either way they have been living wild on the island for hundreds of years.  Once on the islands these full sized horses bred down to pony size. They adjusted to their new diet which included coarse salt marsh cordgrass, American beach grass, thorny greenbrier stems, bayberry twigs, seaweed and even poison ivy.  Thus the horses bred to the unique breed known today as the Chincoteague Pony.

Marguerite Henry made the Chincoteague Pony famous with her classic childrens book "Misty of Chincoteague" that was published in 1947. 

Today there are two groups of these ponies. The two groups are "The Maryland Herd" and "The Virginia Herd". The Maryland Herd consists of approximately 140 head and is overseen by the Maryland Park Service. The Virginia Herd consists of approximately 130 head and are overseen by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.  The ponies graze in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. There is a secure wire fence dividing the island and the herds. The Maryland Herd has shots to keep them from reproducing.

The famous annual "Pony Round-up" and "Pony Swim" is held each year during the month of July. This pony penning began in 1927 to help fund a volunteer fire department for ChincoteagueIsland.  The annual auction helped to build a large fire house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia and continues annually to provide money for the upkeep of the ponies. The whole process of the Pony Round-Up, auction and return swim takes three days.

Today the ponies living away from the islands are easy keepers. They will do nicely in a paddock with hay, a salt block and fresh water.  They have great feet and do not require shoes.  Most today are between 13HH and 14.2 HH. 

STANDARD

COLOR: Many Chincoteague ponies have pinto spotting either overo or tobiano.  They can come in any color.
 
CONFORMATION: The Chincoteague Pony is a well-proportioned horse with a strong and muscular compact body. They typically stand 14HH or less and weight under 800 pounds. The body tends to have a unique style and balanced conformation that includes a well-rounded rump. The hair of a Chincoteague Pony is strong and thick. An extra thick mane and tail can grow to great lengths, if allowed. Fetlocks have light feathering, adding to the unique appearance of this pony. During the winter months the ponies grow a heavy coat of hair. This helps them to stay warm on the island and makes the Chincoteague Pony a good horse for those who live in cold climate areas. A Chincoteague Ponys tail sits low on the rump and can be so long that it touches the ground. The tail may flag when the pony runs. They can gallop very fast for their size.

DISPOSITION: The disposition of a Chincoteague Pony is well known to be good natured and gentle. With a love of people they are highly intelligent, versatile, and well suited for children. The pony is brave, loves to play and learn new things.

TRAITS: The Chincoteague Pony performs well in hunt seat, jumping, driving, and trail riding. They respond well to gentle training techniques because of their easy attachments to their owners as well as other horses. The ponies colorfully marked coats are a particular favorite in pony halter classes.

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