Chincoteague Pony

This picture taken at Assateague Island National Seashore on the Maryland side. There are two herds (separated by a fence on Maryland Virginia border) of wild horses known as "ponies" who make their home on Assateague Island. The term "ponies" is due in part to their smaller stature, which was created as a result of poor habitat present on the island. As one can see in the picture the ponies are seen near the roads and campgrounds on the Maryland side. On the Virginia side one would probably find them in the Black Duck Marsh area away from the public access. The main reason for this is the Maryland ponies are owned by the National Park Service who let them run wild and the Virginia ponies are owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company who allow them to graze on the Chincoteague refuge. Each year the Virginia ponies are rounded up with the foals sold at public auctions.