The 2025 Chincoteague Pony Swim
CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. -The Pony Swim came and went, as ponies made the trek from Assateague Channel to Chincoteague. Celebrating 100 years of rooted tradition.
Mandi McWhirt, a resident of the island since 2016, said this is one of the best experiences every year.
“The people who come here have true dedication. They’re 100% ready to watch these ponies, and on this island, they put the ponies first.”
The tide came rolling in, and community members gathered across the island to celebrate the long-standing tradition. It also serves as a major fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Cindy Faith, who has lived on the island since the age of 7, thinks of the event as a holiday.
“It’s just such a wonderful tradition here on Chincoteague. It actually began well before the 100-year anniversary, and the fire company grabbed hold of something already cherished and made it their own event,” Faith said.
Slack tide occurred around 8:30 a.m. It’s when the tide is calm enough for the ponies to make the swim. People lined up across Pony Swim Lane and Veterans Memorial Park, some as early as 3:30 a.m. 
McWhirt, who lives next to the docks, said it took effort from everyone in town. “This is a great time for everyone on the island. It takes a lot for everyone to get up to this point. Once it happens, everybody is so excited. I think this year, the town and police did a great job making sure everyone is safe,” McWhirt said.
People from Seattle, Raleigh, and D.C. came to enjoy the festivities. Faith said the town takes pride in the swim and makes sure to put on a show for those who travel to see it.
“People come here from across the nation to see the event and cherish it. They usually want to return year after year. It really is a dream come true.”
On Thursday, the pony auction will be held on the carnival grounds and will likely be expensive. Then, on Friday, the remaining ponies will make the return swim back to Assateague to live among the wild for another year.
