Pony Preservation

Although there are about 300 horses on the island, they are divided into two herds, separated by a fence on the state line. On the Virginia side, the local fire department maintains and cares for roughly 150 horses. They raise money by auctioning the foals each year. The Maryland herd of 139 ponies is managed by the National Park Service. They use birth control to keep numbers down.

Both organizations employ sound vaccination and parasite control programs to ensure the horses’ health. In the process, they ensure that the hardy island breed will be around for generations to come.

For more information, contact the following agencies:

Chincoteague Pony Association
P.O. Box 407
Chincoteague, VA 23336