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While most of America's famous mustangs live out west (particularly in Nevada), there are some herds of wild ponies to be found out east too. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia is one such place known for its herds of lovable wild ponies.

There are many places in the United States where one can see mustangs and one does not need to go all the way west to see them (they may be closer than one thinks). For others who would like to incorporate horses and travel together, there is perhaps a no better way to see the remote country of Mongolia than with a multi-day horse trekking ride.

Why Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Is Worth Visiting

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and covers around 14,000 acres. It is mostly located on the Virginian half of Assateague Island (a small amount - about 3% is located across the state line in Maryland).

  • Size: 14,000 acres
  • Visitors: Around 1.5 Million
  • Established: 1943

The wildlife refuge is designed to be, well, a refuge for the wildlife and one can find a large variety of wild animals and birds on the island (perhaps the most famous of which is the Chincoteague Pony). One can see how wildlife is being preserved and protected for future generations.

The refuge is one of Virginia's most popular - attracting around 1.5 million visitors every year. The refuge is characterized by marshes, beaches, dunes, and maritime forests.

In addition to the stunning wildlife, there are a number of great outdoor recreational activities offered in the park. The refuge is open seven days a week throughout the year but on a seasonal schedule.

  • May Through September: 5.00 am to 10.00 pm
  • April And October: 6.00 am to 8.00 pm
  • November through March: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Related: 21 Horseback Riding Places Waiting For Us To Pony Up

How To See The Chincoteague Wild Ponies

One of the Chincoteague National Wild Refuge's main attractions is its herd of wild (technically 'feral') ponies.

  • Where: Virginia and Maryland

Around 50 adult ponies are fenced into an area to the south of the main road and these can be seen by the public. Another 100 or so adult ponies are located further north and public viewing of these ponies is limited. One option is to hike up the 7.5 mile Service Road.

It should be kept in mind that these are wild (or feral) animals. As with other wildlife, they may appear tame, but they should be treated with respect. Park Rangers urge visitors not to pet or feed them.

The Chincoteague ponies are also known as the Assateague horse. They are not actually ponies, while they are phenotypically smaller and look like ponies, this is because of the poor habitat on Assateague Island resulting in smaller body size.

What To Know About The Chincoteague Wild Ponies

The whole of Assateague Island is owned by the federal government and the island is divided by a fence delineating the Maryland/Virginian state line.

About 80 of the horses live on the Maryland side in the Assateague Island National Seashore (where they are often called Assateague horses). Another 150 of them live on the Virginian side in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge where they are called Chincoteague ponies (these are also owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company).

  • Number Of Horses: A Total Of 300-ish Ponies Live On Assateague Island
  • Off-Island: Around 1,000 (One's Purchased And Moved Off the Island)

They live on a diet of salt marsh plants and brush. Their small population size and limited geographical range resulted in uncontrolled inbreeding that caused problems for the herd in the past. This was before outside blood was added in the 20th century.

How they became established on the island is something of the stuff of local legends. One story has it that they are the descendants of survivors of wrecked Spanish galleons off the coast. Others think they descend from stock released there by 17th-century colonists seeking to escape livestock laws and taxes on the mainland.

Related: This Is Why Horseback Riding Is One of The Best Must-Do Activities In The Grand Canyon

The Pony Penning Carnival

They are actually owned (on the Virginian side) by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and one of the best times to see them is during the annual Pony Penning carnival.

  • When: During July
  • Since: The 1700s

This annual event dates back to the 1700s. Every year the herd of Virginian wild ponies is rounded up for penning and auction. The Pony Penning is held annually in July during the Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman's Carnival.

The first official "Pony Penning Day" was held in 1924 with ponies auctioned to raise money for fire equipment.