CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – After two years of delays because of the pandemic, the long-awaited Chincoteague Pony Swim returned for its 97th year.
According to the Chincoteague website, the Chincoteague Pony Swim happened on Wednesday, followed by the pony auction on Thursday.
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Each year during the Chincoteague Pony Swim, the ponies swim across the Assateague Channel on the east side of Chincoteague Island, called Pony Swim Lane, the website said.
When they arrive at Chincoteague Island, the site said the ponies are auctioned off, and funds go to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department.
The auction allows for the Fire Department to control the herd size of the ponies, and funds collected are used to provide veterinary care for other ponies.
This year’s Chincoteague Pony Swim events are coming to an end soon.
On Friday, the website said the remaining horses will swim back to Assateague Island where they live until next year’s Pony Swim.