87th Chincoteague Island Pony Penning ~ 2012

The first foal to step ashore during the 2012 Chincogeague Island Pony Penning was crowned King Neptune.  He wore the number 53 on the tag around his neck.  I couldn't find him in penned area on the Chincoteague grounds.  But that little guy raised over $5,800 for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Not only could I not find him the firemen and Saltwater Cowboys  couldn't seem to get him to appear on stage at the carnival grounds. But lucky KaylaJo McDanolds didn't seem to care when Denise called the winning number.  So, unless KaylaJo  decides to give King Neptune back to the fire department this little foal will travel to Bangor, Pennsylvania to live.

Chincoteague Pony Penning began 87 years ago (1925) as a way to raise money for new firefighting equipment.  It is part of the tradition to hold the auction of the ponies the following day of their arrival to the carnival grounds.


Pony Penning auction for 2012 raised over $90,000 for the Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company.  Of the sixtyseven ponies bought Thursday morning at the auction eight were "buy-back" ponies.  These ponies are re-released to live with the herd on Assateague.

Finally, today, following tradition, the Saltwater Cowboys will round up the remaining ponies from the carnival grounds and herd them down the streets to Assateague Channel where they make their swim back to their home. 

I've lived on the Eastern Shore all my life and have never witnessed a Pony Penning but I have been to their return.  I'm sure there's less hoopla and fanfare on returning day  but nonetheless exciting to see.  Whether you want to see the actual swim back or just The Saltwater Cowboys herd them down Main Street and around the corner to the channel it's still awesome.  In fact, you can sit right across the street from the carnival grounds and watch them leave. 

The pony return will be today around 10:00 a.m. - depending on slack tide.

Even though the ponies are gone from the carnival grounds until next year there is still another tradition in full swing on Chincoteague Island!  The carnival!

There's still a few more days left!!

Proceeds From "Buyback Pony" To Benefit Hospice

CHINCOTEAGUE ---- At Thursday's annual Pony Auction, one "buyback" pony patron will see their purchase price donated to a charitable and worthy cause.

This year, all of the proceeds from one "buyback" pony purchase will be given to Hospice of the Eastern Shore, a community nonprofit organization that serves the needs of patients and families who face life-threatening illnesses.

Buyback ponies are released back to their home on Assateague Island. The buyback owners receive a special plaque and get to name their purchased pony.

Roe Terry, public relations officer for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and manages the herd of world-famous ponies, said this is the second time Hospice has benefited from the buyback donation.

"Everybody knows someone who had to use hospice," said Terry.

Karen Agar, chief executive officer of Hospice of the Eastern Shore, is very pleased that Terry decided to make a generous donation to the organization.

"We're very, very honored to have been chosen," Agar said. "It shows how much support we have in the community."

According to Agar, services offered through the hospice are available to everyone, which is why the organization "depends on donations to continue its programs."

Those programs include "Fragile Hearts," a local support group for children who grieve and struggle with the loss of a loved one.

With the help of Fragile Hearts and other initiatives, family members and patients facing serious illnesses can "make the most of every day," says Agar.

Several hospice employees will be in attendance that day wearing hospice T-shirts. They will also be sitting on the auction block, witnessing the event that's held each year at the town's carnival grounds.

After the hospice buyback pony is purchased, Agar will be presented a check from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

According to Agar, the hospice was presented with a donation after a woman from Charlottesville purchased a "buyback" pony two years ago.

The woman decided to help make a donation to the hospice because her mother was in the care of the organization before she passed.

"We're hoping to have the same effect this year," said Agar.

Terry said the fire company is proud to make this type of contribution to a community organization.

"It's a good deal for everybody," he said.

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