CHINCOTEAGUE, Va.- Preparations got under way this week for the Chincoteague Pony Swim, which will be held Wednesday morning. The weather was in the 90s on Tuesday and that didn't stop people from showing up.
Denise Bowden of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company said the horses will be healthy for the big event. She said, "The vet's been here this morning and done the check. Everybody looks great [and] healthy. We've got water in the troughs, plenty of hay so they're good to go until tomorrow morning when we're getting ready to leave."
Bowden said people need to be prepared for the environment of the pony swim as well.
"If you're going to come down to Pony Swim Lane where actually the ponies come right up in your face, you're going to need to bring some bug spray and some water, some sunscreen," she said. "And don't mind getting dirty. Old shoes, old shorts, T-shirt and all that because you will get in the mud and you will get wet."
The pony swim and the auction that follows are the main source of income for the Chincoteague Fire Company. The revenue helps to keep the company self sufficient from relying on the county.
Bowden said the ponies are expected to cross the Assateague Channel between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
