Frequently Asked Questions About the Ponies

Which ponies are sold?
Only the foals and sometimes a yearling or two.

What are the health requirements to transport ponies across state lines?
They are tested for and certified clear of Equine Infectious Anemia (E.I.A.) by having a Coggins Test run on each adult pony, prior to the auction.

What is the average age of the foals to be sold?
Approximately 4 to 6 months.

Is transportation provided for the foals sold?
No, there are private individuals available to transport to almost anywhere in the U.S. for a fee. The charge is by the mile.

Can you donate your pony back to the fire company?
The fire company makes this determination on a year to year basis. An announcement will be made at the auction if any can be donated back.

Will the fire company accept personal checks?
No, only Master Card, Visa, or cash accepted.

What do I need to transport my pony?
An S.P.C.A. certified horse or stock trailer.

Can anyone ride in the round-up?
No, only the C.V.F.D. pony committee members and it’s approved riders.

What do you feed the ponies?
Sweet stock and hay.

Does the fire company furnish halters?
No, but they can be purchased at the auction site.

If I buy a pony, when do I have to move it?
We prefer you pick it up the day of the auction, or make other arrangements with the Fire Company.

What time do the ponies swim across on Wednesday?
The ponies swim at slack tide (either high or low). The time varies from 7am to 1pm. The time will be announced at the carnival Tuesday night.

How many ponies are on Assateague Island?
Due to a federal grazing permit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, only 150 head of adult brood stock are permitted on the VA portion of Assateague Island.

Who owns the ponies?
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns the ponies.

What other care is provided for the ponies?
The Chincoteague Vol. Fire Co. not only conducts our annual round-up in July, but also have at least two other round-ups during the year. We conduct a spring round-up in April and a fall round-up in October. These round-ups are for the maintenance of the heard. During these times, we give the ponies their annual vaccinations which consist of but are not limited to: Worming, tetanus, rabies, west nile virus. They are also tested and or vaccinated for eastern and western equine encephalitis and infectious anemia. There hooves are also trimmed and a general check up is conducted by our Veterinarian. The dates vary because of the need to have many people ready for this event and the availability of the veterinarian.

BIDDING ON A PONY

You do not have to register when attending the auction.  Be there early to find the best seat. 

Although anyone may bid on a pony, all "winning" bids are subject to the review and final approval of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and the fire company reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion to refuse to accept a "winning" bid for any reason.  In other words, even though you have "won" a pony auction, you may be prohibited by the fire company from purchasing your pony.  In the event a winning bid is not approved, the pony will be awarded to the person with the next highest bid.