Information About America's Own Chincoteague Ponies
by Casandra Newton
The ponies which live on the Virginian part of Assateague Island are called Chincoteague ponies. In Canada and the USA, there are about 3,000 of the breed in total. Assateague Island is divided by a sturdy fence which forms part of the boundary between Maryland and Virginia. The Virginian representatives of this rare breed are a great drawcard for thousands of tourists who gather each year to see them.
There is some controversy about how the horses came to be on the islands. Some believe they swam to the islands from Spanish galleons which were wrecked offshore. Others believe pioneer settlers placed domestic livestock on the islands to avoid having to pay taxes. Survival was, and is, difficult for the animals. They have learnt to tolerate sea water. The sparse vegetation is unpalatable and of poor quality.
The Virginian ponies are looked after by the Volunteer Fire Company of Chincoteague. They maintain a herd of around 150 horses. Twice a year they are swum from Assateague to Chincoteague for routine inspection by veterinarians. The horses are inoculated against various diseases and treated for any ailments. They are then swum back to Assateague.
One of these journeys takes place on the last Wednesday in July. The horses are swum over and, after a rest, they become part of a parade through the streets. At the carnival grounds, the older foals are auctioned to the public. This keeps the number of horses on the island to manageable limits. Within a couple of days, the animals not sold are returned to Assateague.
There are some private breeders on the mainland. The Annual Pony Swim and Penning brings much-needed funds to the Fire Company and prevents degradation of the fragile environment of the islands. Thousands watch the Pony Swim and auction. The first foal to reach the shore is named Queen or King Neptune and is raffled off on the day.
Penning of the ponies was first recorded in 1835. The first swimming of the channel took place in 1925. The day gradually developed into a carnival and is now very popular with tourists and local people. Many now come to watch the Pony Swim and Auction, and to participate in the many activities of the carnival.
Selling off some of the animals prevents excessive damage to the fragile island environment. Inbreeding over a number of years had resulted in some having conformational defects and inherited conditions. The quality of the horses has been improved by the introduction of other breeds. Some mares are darted with a contraceptive to prevent them being bred every year. <A href="http://www.intheherd.com">Chincoteague ponies</A> have a characteristic bloated appearance from drinking salt water.
Domesticated Chincoteague ponies often grow taller than their feral cousins, thanks to better nutrition. These animals range from about 13 to 15 hands, with a hand being four inches. Many are paints or pintos. Bidding is keen for these striking broken-colored animals. They have kind dispositions. They are hardy and have great stamina. The bone is dense and they have good legs and hooves. In winter, the thick, shaggy manes and tails help keep the cold out. They are easily broken to saddle and are popular as children's ponies. They are also used in most equestrian disciplines including hunting, driving and trail riding.
<a href="http://www.intheherd.com">Read more about</a> Some Information On America's Own Chincoteague Ponies visiting our website.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Information About America's Own Chincoteague Ponies
Author: Casandra Newton
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: photography, pictures, images, photos
Word Count: 546
Category: Hobbies
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