A coastal tradition unlike any other Each summer, the quiet shores of Chincoteague Island come alive with one of the most beloved traditions on the East Coast. The Chincoteague Pony Swim draws visitors from around the world, all eager to witness a remarkable blend of history, community spirit, and natural beauty. How It All Began The Pony Swim has its roots in the early 20th century, when local watermen began rounding up the wild ponies that roamed nearby Assateague Island. The annual swim becam