Chincoteague Vol. Fire Co. Announces Death of Two Ponies

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. – The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company announced the passing of two wild ponies on Sunday night.

Surfette, an eight-year-old Liver Chestnut and Misty descendent, was found with a broken neck on ice near her home grazing area. Officials say that it’s typically uncommon for the ponies to wander on ice, and in this case, Surfette likely lost her footing and landed poorly.

“She was in great physical condition it is shame to lose another young mare and also a loss to the herds potential genetic diversity as we have not kept a foal from her to this point and her family line has unfortunately ended,” the fire company said on social media. “We thankfully have many other Misty lines on the island and the herd’s diversity is not in any danger.”

Hoppy, also known as “Poseidon’s Fury” and “Effie’s Papa Bear,” lived a very successful stallion’s life and likely passed away at 18 years from natural causes. Officials say his mustang heritage gave him unique size and conformation, which he passed on to his many offspring, leaving his mark on the herd.

This announcement follows the death of a pony who got stuck in mud last month.