The 86th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim: July 27, 2011

On Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, the Saltwater Cowboys will once again swim those famous Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island.

PHOTO By Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company

The swim takes place at "slack tide". Slack tide is a period of about 30 minutes between tides, when there is no current. This is the easiest time for the ponies to make the swim. The time of slack tide varies each year. However, the swim generally takes place some time between 7am and 1pm. The specific time will be announced at the carnival grounds the week of the swim.

The Chincoteague Ponies will swim across the Assateague Channel during 'slack tide', which is 30 minutes between tide changes when there is no current, making it the easiest time for the ponies to swim.

A message on the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company website states this:

Official Notice from the Fire Company concerning swim times for 2011 Pony Swim
 Word has come from the pony committee that this year’s pony swim will be a LATE one according to the tide charts.

The low water slack time has been determined to be between 12:15pm and 1:30pm. We will not get the times any closer than that so with that in mind, the fire company encourages people NOT to get to the swim site extremely early. If tradition holds it will be a hot day and for the safety of the spectators there is no need to stand out in the heat and the marsh for 6 hours when you can arrive at 9:30am and still get a great viewing spot.

The fire company would like to remind everyone to bring water, bug spray and old shoes because of the low tide there will be lots of mud at the swim site itself.

Please stop by the information stand Tuesday night for any further updates. Information stand is located at the carnival grounds.

Once the ponies reach dry land and have rested for about 45 minutes the Salt Water Cowboys will parade the ponies down Main Street to the carnival ground.

If you plan to attend the pony swim it is advised that you bring bug repellant, sunscreen, plenty of water to drink and wear clothing suitable with shoes that can get wet or muddy. Pack you patience.

For more information you can  go to  www.chincoteague.com

I've lived on the Shore all of my life and have never seen a pony swim and understand fully at my age now that if I were ever going to attend it should have been 35 years ago when an estimated crowd of 30,000 on the tiny island wasn't even thought of. 

 While looking at photos taken by members of the Salt Water Cowboys or members of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company I found the perfect little pony for me if I were a small child among the thousands to visit this year.

PHOTO By Chincoteague Vol. Fire Company

This little guy is my favorite!  I hope he brings tons of money for the fire department and finds a wonderful home......although a buy-back would be nice.

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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