If you dream of seeing the Chincoteague Pony Swim made famous by Marguerite Henry's book Misty of Chincoteague, whether this year or some day in the future, I've got tips for you based on my travels.
This will be my fourth time experiencing the spectacle of splashing stallions, mares and foals paddling from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island, Virginia, as the Saltwater Cowboys guide them along. The first year I went for book research purposes and fell in love with the event, the ponies and the community. This year I will attend to give a talk at the Museum of Chincoteague and the Chincoteague Island Library—sharing the backstory of Marguerite Henry and the real pony Misty—information from my book Marguerite, Misty and Me. :)
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1. Watch the WBOC Pony Swim Live Stream!
The Chincoteague Pony Swim was live streamed on WBOC in 2024. Take a look at the video from last year to get a feel for the event. The Chincoteague Pony Swim broadcast was entertaining, presented in sports broadcast style.
2.Bring Your See-Through Backpack
Since the 100th Chincoteague Pony Swim is such a celebrated milestone, there's been increased public awareness about the event and estimates that pony fans will be out in full force. One outlet said around 50,000 attendees will be present for the fun. Additionally, there have been increased security concerns related to potential threats. (How sad, but I guess it's the way of the world these days). In order to keep everyone safe, officials are implementing new protocols. One of them is no backpacks (or umbrellas). Read more in this WBOC news article.
I just ordered this backpack, which I can repurpose when I attend sporting events and concerts (last summer I was turned away from a Milwaukee Brewers game because of my purse—walked all the way to the car to put it in the trunk—going forward I'll just use the clear backpack).
3. Arm Yourself with Your Best Mosquito Spray and Apply Liberally!
Never have I ever been so feasted on by mosquitoes! The crazy part is Chincoteague mosquitoes are stealthy. Only once did I hear them buzzing by my ears (on an aborted hike on an Assateague trail). I never really SEE them, but during all my summer trips to Chincoteague, I've left the island with large red welts on my ankles. It's beyond explanation (and I don't wear shorts and I have sprayed myself with repellent). Ugh!
At Equine Affaire, I met a woman from Alaska who swears by this Wondercide Flea, Tick and Mosquito spray. I haven't tried it, but I should. She said it really works and smells good.
4. Before or After the Chincoteague Pony Swim, Attend the Fire Company's Carnival
Vintage kiddie rides, oyster fritters, cotton candy, Bingo, live music and more. This fun carnival is like a tiny version of a county fair with a wholesome vibe. The Bingo pavilion gets packed (I didn't win).
Walking through the grounds provides excellent people watching. Proceeds benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, so play old-fashioned carnival games and eat hamburgers knowing you're supporting the group that takes care of the Chincoteague Ponies all year long—not just during Pony Penning Week.
If you can't attend in person, watch this video to get a feel for the carnival.
5. Hang Out with the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team
Did you know there's an all Chincoteague Pony performance troupe with several Misty descendants? For almost thirty years, Kendy Allen, a retired school librarian has coached the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team. Kendy is passionate about introducing people to the breed so they can see firsthand what wonderful riding ponies they make.
On Tuesday of Pony Penning Week, the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team hosts an open house at Kerkaken Acres in nearby Bloxom, Virginia. The eight-member team will perform intricate routines to songs such as "Home" (Phillip Phillips) and "Fight Song." Open house attendees can participate in games such as a cake walk, and have the opportunity to meet the ponies up close.
For those Chincoteague Pony Swim attendees who bid on and win a foal at the Wednesday auction, Kendy provides foal services, having decades of experience transitioning wild foals into domestication.
In addition to the open house, the Chincoteague Pony Drill Team will perform at the foal auction and have pony meet and greets on the island during Pony Penning Week. Follow their Facebook Page to stay on top of the pony goings-on.
Want to dig deeper into the Chincoteague Pony swim week schedule? My travel memoir Marguerite, Misty and Me provides a great overview (Chapters 15-16) of my first Pony Penning Week in 2022. CLICK HERE to snag a copy, read it and gallop off to a wild pony adventure! I've got a version for young readers too!
