Wild Ponies of Chincoteague Wild Horses Wild horses

Wild Ponies of Chincoteague

Wild Horses • Wild horses are found all over the U. S. – Montana, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, California, Virginia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nevada, Oregon • The ponies on Chincoteague are the most well known – Book, Misty of Chincoteague

Where did they come from? • There are several rumors concerning the origin of the ponies – Ponies swam ashore from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon in the 16 th Century – Ponies swam ashore from a wrecked ship bound for the English colonies – Pirates brought the ponies to the island

Most probable explanation • Ponies are most likely descendents of horses brought to Assateague during the 17 th century by mainland owners – Early settlers used Assateague Island as a natural corral to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock

“Wild” Ponies? • Feral and wild are both used when referring to the ponies – Because they take care of themselves in all seasons with minimum help from humans, they can be considered wild – Can also be referred to as feral because they are most likely descendents of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state • Referred to as ponies because of their naturally small size, most likely due to harsh conditions of the island

Virginia vs. Maryland • There are two distinct groups of ponies – Herd is separated by a fence on the Virginia/Maryland state line – Each herd has divided themselves into bands of two to ten animals and each band occupies a home range

Maryland Ponies • National Park Service is in charge of the Maryland herd • Population has climbed from 21 animals in 1965 to 174 today • 150 is recommended limit for the number of ponies • There is evidence that the horses are having a significant negative impact on the dune and salt marsh habitat due to overgrazing

Maryland Ponies • In an attempt to control the population growth, a contraceptive has been developed and in use since 1994 • Non-hormonal contraceptive vaccine that stimulates the horse’s immune system to produce antibodies which will block fertilization at high levels • Effect is temporary, lasting about one year, but can be extended with an annual booster shot • Long term effects not known, so vaccine is administered only after one or two births

Virginia Ponies • Often referred to as Chincoteague ponies • Property of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company • Allowed to graze under a special permit issued to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge by the Fish and Wildlife Service • Herd is limited to a maximum of 150 ponies – Research has indicated that any negative effects of grazing on the overall habitat of the refuge are minimized the limit

Pony Penning • Penning allows the limit of 150 ponies to be maintained • “Saltwater cowboys” round up the Virginia herd and they swim across the channel to Chincoteague • Most of the foals are auctioned off and the remaining horses swim back to Assateague • Most foals are easily tamed and adapt well to domestic life

Fire Department • Proceeds from the auction go to the fire department • Fire department has the best equipped emergency response operation on the Eastern Shore and one of the best in the state

References • • • http: //www. theponycam. com/index. html http: //www. assateague. org/plover/1 -96 -e. html http: //nickie. net/Chincoteague. html http: //www. patandersonphoto. com/chinco. htm http: //www. pony-chincoteague. com/info. html http: //www. comptons. com/encyclopedia/CAPTIO NS/20005620_P. html • http: //www. ansi. okstate. edu/breeds/HORSES/CHI NCOTE/ • http: //atbeach. com/mdstpark/index. html

Pony Penning • Began in the 17 th century when unclaimed horses were captured and marked by colonists in the presence of their neighbors on a day of fellowship and festivity • Modern pony penning began in 1924 in an effort to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company • Major tourist attraction • Allows the ponies to be monitored and their health maintained

Virginia Ponies • Undergo a veterinarian check twice a year – In April, they are vaccinated against encephalitis, rabies, tetanus, tested for EIA (Equine Infectious Anemia or swamp fever), dewormed and some horses have their hooves trimmed • Fenced off from road areas to stop people from feeding them and attracting them to cars and roadways

Assateague Island • Assateague Island is 37 miles long with approximately 300 horses divided between Maryland Virginia • Ponies are known as Chincoteague ponies because of the annual auction

Appearance of ponies • Flowing manes and tails • Adults weigh 750 lbs • 12 -13 hands (52 in) • Variety of colors, often with paint markings • Powerful natural breed

What Do They Eat? • About 80% of their diet is saltmarsh cordgrass and American beachgrass • Also may add thorny greenbriar stems, bayberry twigs, rose hips, sea weeds and poison ivy • Drink twice as much water as domestic horses, which gives them a fat appearance