Coast Guard Opens Doors Ahead of Chincoteague Pony Swim

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va. — The countdown to the pony swim is on, and the U.S. Coast Guard is ready.

Before the 101st Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, Coast Guard Station Chincoteague welcomed the public for an open house, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how crews prepare for one of the island’s busiest events.

The ponies aren’t swimming just yet, but excitement is already building.

“We’re always prepared for anything that could happen during the pony penning,” Lt. Shawn Maring said. “We’re making sure we have the right processes in place to keep everybody safe.”

Maring said the station’s top priority is public safety, but the open house is also an opportunity to connect with the community before the festivities begin.

“Being able to do something like this the day before and involve the community feels like we’re part of Pony Penning Week,” Maring said. “People get to enjoy this today, and then tomorrow they get to enjoy the pony penning.”

Last year, Maring had been in his role for just two weeks before the annual swim. This year, he said he’s looking forward to experiencing the event from start to finish.

“This year I get to enjoy the open house, see the smiles on the community’s faces, and then tomorrow everyone gets to enjoy the 101st annual pony penning,” he said. “It’s going to be awesome.”

Whether it’s your first visit or your 20th, the event continues to draw thousands of pony lovers to Chincoteague.

“I’m just excited to see the ponies because I love to watch them swim,” visitor Libbie Hall said.

For Sandy Bennett, who has attended Pony Penning Week for about 20 years, the tradition never gets old.

“I just love the ponies,” Bennett said. “I love the horses, and I love the vibe of the island that week. It’s busy, but everybody’s in such a great mood. It’s a really fun time to be here.”

With the swim just around the corner, visitors and locals alike are ready for another memorable Pony Penning Week on Chincoteague Island.