The Assateague Island National Seashore is the home of the famous Assateague horses. These ponies have been residents of the barrier island areas of Virginia and Maryland since America was first settled. There are several legends about how these wild animals came to live on the difficult seashore. Some say that a Spanish galleon sunk off the coast and the hardy equines escaped to the shore. Others point out that pirates may have left them. Still more point to historical evidence that mainland farmers may have hidden their livestock there to avoid high tax collections. Now, these legendary horses are part of area traditions, with thousands coming to see them annually.
There are actually two distinct herds of ponies. One herd is called the Maryland herd and the other, the Virginia herd. It is the Maryland herd that is called Assateague, while the Virginia herd is known as the Chincoteague herd. They are named based on the area of land they occupy. They also are divided by the state line that divides the two states. The Maryland ponies are wild and freely range throughout their area.
These ponies are recognized by equine experts as one of the last truly wild horses left in the United States. Frequent studies are conducted on this group of animals because they exhibit distinct behavior patterns not found in other herds. They are seen to socialize as families. At one time, their in breeding was producing genetic problems with offspring, so Arabian horses were introduced to the herd. The Arabians did not always fare as well as the hardy island breed, but their longer legs and lines seemed to contribute to the overall growth and stature of the island herds.
Each year, the herds are part of maintenance programs which keep the numbers manageable. Each group is kept to approximately 150 members so that they do not overgrow their ability to eat, live and make use of the spaces they occupy. The Maryland herd receives veterinarian administered vaccinations and contraceptives. The Virginia herd is culled through annual auctions to the public.
Chincoteague ponies are added to the wilder Assateague herd if it loses too many heads. The National Park Service is primarily responsible for the Maryland herd, while the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire company tends its own. Much attention is paid to management programs that preserve the safety and integrity of these animals.
This island area is scientifically a barrier. As such, its configurations have changed significantly over time. Tide and wind have created irregular seashore contours which make the area continuously suited as a natural habitat for these wild ponies. They prefer to roam unfettered, and the coastal environment suits their nature. But, visitors must be educated to avoid contact of any kind. These feisty animals kick, bite, charge and regularly attack humans who come too close. They also adore the snacks that are offered, even though these are not best for their diets.
Keeping the herds in small numbers is not only accomplished through contraception. Every year, the ponies swim across the island waterway for Pony Penning. The collects them together for assessment, treatment and auctioning. Once they are checked, the chosen are auctioned to the public on the spot. Most people enjoy watching the swim and then stay long after to enjoy the annual carnival.
There is a big movement to keep the feral Assateague horses completely wild. Through education and best management practices, those who care for these handsome horses work to develop public awareness about the history of these famous animals. With continued educational efforts, and by allowing camping and human activities to share their space, these animals continue to enjoy their interesting seaside lifestyle.
There are actually two distinct herds of ponies. One herd is called the Maryland herd and the other, the Virginia herd. It is the Maryland herd that is called Assateague, while the Virginia herd is known as the Chincoteague herd. They are named based on the area of land they occupy. They also are divided by the state line that divides the two states. The Maryland ponies are wild and freely range throughout their area.
These ponies are recognized by equine experts as one of the last truly wild horses left in the United States. Frequent studies are conducted on this group of animals because they exhibit distinct behavior patterns not found in other herds. They are seen to socialize as families. At one time, their in breeding was producing genetic problems with offspring, so Arabian horses were introduced to the herd. The Arabians did not always fare as well as the hardy island breed, but their longer legs and lines seemed to contribute to the overall growth and stature of the island herds.
Each year, the herds are part of maintenance programs which keep the numbers manageable. Each group is kept to approximately 150 members so that they do not overgrow their ability to eat, live and make use of the spaces they occupy. The Maryland herd receives veterinarian administered vaccinations and contraceptives. The Virginia herd is culled through annual auctions to the public.
Chincoteague ponies are added to the wilder Assateague herd if it loses too many heads. The National Park Service is primarily responsible for the Maryland herd, while the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire company tends its own. Much attention is paid to management programs that preserve the safety and integrity of these animals.
This island area is scientifically a barrier. As such, its configurations have changed significantly over time. Tide and wind have created irregular seashore contours which make the area continuously suited as a natural habitat for these wild ponies. They prefer to roam unfettered, and the coastal environment suits their nature. But, visitors must be educated to avoid contact of any kind. These feisty animals kick, bite, charge and regularly attack humans who come too close. They also adore the snacks that are offered, even though these are not best for their diets.
Keeping the herds in small numbers is not only accomplished through contraception. Every year, the ponies swim across the island waterway for Pony Penning. The collects them together for assessment, treatment and auctioning. Once they are checked, the chosen are auctioned to the public on the spot. Most people enjoy watching the swim and then stay long after to enjoy the annual carnival.
There is a big movement to keep the feral Assateague horses completely wild. Through education and best management practices, those who care for these handsome horses work to develop public awareness about the history of these famous animals. With continued educational efforts, and by allowing camping and human activities to share their space, these animals continue to enjoy their interesting seaside lifestyle.
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