Why Do The Horses Swim From Assateague?

Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. First the auction helps to control the size of the herd.

Why are there horses on Assateague Island?

The most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.

Do the horses on Assateague drink salt water?

“A common visitor misconception is that the Assateague horses have evolved to drink salt water. Fortunately for the horses and other wildlife there are many naturally occurring freshwater ponds like the one in front of you scattered throughout the island.

Why do they round up the Chincoteague Ponies?

The Wild Ponies are rounded up into corrals on Assateague Island for an overall health check by a Veterinarian. The vet gives the Ponies inoculations against the West Nile virus and to prevent Equine Encephalitis.

How do they keep the horses on Assateague Island?

The Chincoteague ponies are kept in grazing compartments on the Virginia portion of Assateague and there is a physical fence at the state line to prevent the two herds from coming in contact. The National Park service is constantly monitoring the horse population and the horses are managed as a wild herd.

Can you touch the horses at Assateague Island?

Petting or feeding the wild horses may seem like a harmless and fun thing to do, but the consequences can be terrible. For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch, or feed the Assateague horses. Assateague horses do bite, kick and can carry rabies.

How much do Assateague ponies sell for?

Average cost of a pony: $4,309.

Are there sharks at Chincoteague?

Sandbar sharks and smooth dogfish are available in Chincoteague Bay from May to October.

Can you pet the Chincoteague Ponies?

The park service reminds visitors to stay at least 40 feet away from any wildlife on the island, and to not touch, feed or harass any animals. Last month, a visitor was kicked in the crotch by a wild horse after he got too close to the animal.

What is the purpose of the Chincoteague Pony swim?

Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned. The auction serves two purposes. First the auction helps to control the size of the herd.

What to do if a wild horse approaches you?

If they begin to come near you, walk away and don’t engage with them. And photographers – never leave tripods, chairs, or other equipment unattended. Foals can easily get tangled up in them. If wild horses approach your vehicle, roll up the windows and wait for them to move along.

Are wild horses aggressive?

Wild horses see humans and dogs as some- thing dangerous. If you get too close to the horses they may defend themselves by charging, kicking or biting. For you and your pet’s safety: Watch the horses from a safe dis- tance.

How long do Assateague ponies live?

There is also evidence that the birth control has helped the horses live longer. In 1990, hardly any horses lived past 15; now, the horses are living to 30 and older.

Why do they round up wild horses?

According to the bureau, the roundups, known as “gathers,” are used to keep herds from multiplying beyond a sustainable population. State BLM offices estimate that wild horses repopulate at the rate of roughly 18 percent per year. Apart from the mountain lion and black bear, wild horses have few natural predators.

What does it mean to round up a horse?

The Bureau of Land Management calls them “gathers”; others call them “roundups.” They are a blunt instrument wielded as part of costly and inhumane system of government wild-horse management. By any name, roundups typically involve the permanent removal of wild horses and burros from their home ranges.

How much do the Chincoteague Ponies sell for?

2022 (in-person w/ online bidding) – 63 ponies (including 10 buybacks) $450,200 (record) for 63 ponies—- 10 buybacks; average cost $7,146 (record); high bid $32,000 (buyback)(record); low bid $2,500 (record)

Can Chincoteague Ponies be ridden?

They are small horses that both adults and children can ride.