CHINCOTEAGUE , Va., July 28 (UPI) — More than 200 horses traveled through the water between two islands in Virginia as part of the 91st Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim.
United States Coastguard shared photos, as crew members helped create a safe path for the horses to swim between the Assateague and Chincoteague islands off the eastern coast of Virginia.
According to WTVR, approximately 150 wild adult ponies and 60 to 70 foals travel from Assateague at low tide before being paraded and auctioned off at a fair ground in Chincoteague.
“All proceeds from one of the buy backs this year will benefit Special Olympics of Virginia Eastern Shore Area 19,” Public Relations Officer for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Roe Terry said.
The Pony Swim gained recognition internationally due to the children’s novel “Misty of Chincoteague” and the 1961 film “Misty,” according to the Coast Guard.
