It has been asked why they hold this event, the swimming of the ponies. They gather the herd and cull out many of the babies, as the island cannot support an endless number of horses. They selectively pick the babies that will go back into the herd, keeping the ones that have traits, such as blue eyes, perfect markings. unusual color... The ones that they want to be bred in. Assateague is separated by a small bay from Chincoteague, where the pony penning is held. They swim the mothers and other ponies back the day after the auction.

There would be no place to hold such an event on the island of Assateague.

The Saltwater Cowboy sits high on his saddle, waiting for the red smoke from the flare gun. This is the signal to all that the Pony Swim will begin. Despite the rainy weather, the people still hiked down to the beaches to watch the annual event.

The waiting crowd. The sun played peek-a-boo all day long. Of course, it rained during the important parts.

I look over and can see that the red flare has gone off. This is the signal to start the swim

The Salt Water Cowboys waiting over on the other side of the island, waiting for the tide. The went in at 8:17 because of the weather conditions. Nothing was unsafe about it. I apologize for the pictures. The camera is a piece of junk that I don't mind if it falls into the water. There was no way I was bringing my camera out here. Not until my allowance goes up and I can afford to replace it.

Some needed a little encouragement. Others knew the drill.

*It was cool and there were many magic moments

Beached!!!

To be continued...