The famous Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction in Virginia has been cancelled for the first time since World War 2, with the sale being held online instead.
This year’s swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island would have been the 95th in the famous herd’s history, but officials in Virginia cancelled the annual event and associated activities because of Covid-19.
“Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make, with the last pony penning being cancelled over 78 years ago during the second World War”, said Alex Tucker, President of Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
“We know how much this community loves this fire company and supports our carnival but with the restrictions put into the phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it was the only logical decision to make.”
Traditionally, after the swim, some of the young stock are sold to raise funds for the Chincoteague volunteer fire company before the remainder of the ponies are returned to Assateague.
The auction will be an entirely online event hosted by longtime Chincoteague auctioneer Tim Jennings and his wife, Cathy, through their company, SportHorseAuctions.com, LLC, which has run almost 80 internet auctions since 2012.
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