Assateague Channel facts for kids
Assateague Channel is a narrow waterway located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. It flows between two islands: Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island. This channel connects to Assateague Bay in the northeast and to Chincoteague Inlet in the southwest.
The Annual Pony Swim
The Assateague Channel is famous for a special event that happens every year. It's called the Wild Pony Swim, and it's part of the larger Pony Penning tradition. This exciting event takes place on the last Wednesday of July.
What Happens During the Swim?
During the Wild Pony Swim, a group of people known as "Salt Water Cowboys" gather wild Chincoteague Ponies. These ponies live freely on Assateague Island. The cowboys then guide the ponies across the Assateague Channel. They swim from Assateague Island to Veteran's Memorial Park on Chincoteague Island.
After the Swim
Once the ponies reach Chincoteague Island, the Salt Water Cowboys herd them. They lead the ponies to special pens at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds. The very next day, some of the young ponies, called foals, are sold at an auction.
Why Do They Do It?
This traditional event has a long history. It has been held in its current form since 1925. The main reason for the Pony Swim is to raise money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. This helps them buy equipment and keep the community safe. The roots of this tradition go back even further, to the 17th century.
