Chincoteague Pony Roundup Swim and Auction Annual Event

Witness one of the most remarkable and deep-rooted wildlife traditions on the East Coast at the annual Chincoteague Pony Roundup Swim and Auction. This world-famous event captures the hearts of thousands of spectators who gather along the coastal shoreline to watch the legendary wild Chincoteague ponies make their historic journey. Managed by local Saltwater Cowboys, the multi-day event involves herding the beautiful wild horses from their natural habitats on Assateague Island across the channel to neighboring Chincoteague Island during a specific morning slack tide.

Steeped in rich heritage, this historic event serves a vital role in maintaining a healthy equine population on the federal wildlife refuge. Following the spectacular swim, the ponies parade down to the local carnival grounds, where a highly anticipated charity auction is held for the season's new foals. The week is filled with family-friendly festivities, including evening rides, games, and traditional local food stands. Located along Virginia's scenic Eastern Shore, this incredible spectacle makes an unforgettable day trip or extended detour for vacationers staying along the coast.

Chincoteague Pony Roundup Swim and Auction Event Details

• Admission: The pony swim viewing beach walks and foal auctions are completely free and open to the public with no tickets required
• Main Pony Swim Timing: The historic channel crossing takes place on Wednesday during slack tide which typically falls between 7:00 am and 1:00 pm
• Annual Charity Auction: The foal auction begins promptly at 8:00 am on Thursday morning at the local fire company carnival grounds
• The Return Swim: On Friday morning the remaining adult ponies swim back across the Assateague Channel to return to the wild for another year
• Refuge Wildlife Rules: Spectators must maintain a strict distance of at least 50 feet from all wild horses and feeding or approaching the animals is strictly prohibited
• Pet Policy: No personal pets or animals of any kind are permitted inside the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge boundaries
• Viewing Options: Spectators can view the swim from designated shorelines at Veterans Memorial Park and Pony Swim Lane or via local chartered boat cruises and kayak excursions

Pony Penning Week Schedule of Major Events

• Saturday: Saltwater Cowboys conduct the South Herd Roundup herding ponies into the Southern Corral on Beach Road for public viewing
• Monday: The early morning Beach Walk takes place where the Northern herd joins the Southern herd along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline
• Tuesday: Professional veterinary checks and selection of buyback ponies are completed at the Southern Corral starting at 9:00 am
• Wednesday: The world famous official Pony Swim crossing occurs at the designated slack tide window followed by a parade to the carnival grounds
• Thursday: The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company hosts the official Foal Auction at the Main Street grounds starting at 8:00 am