CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND VA- Today was pony pick up day for people who won the virtual Chincoteague pony auction that wrapped up yesterday. The proceeds go to the Chincoteague volunteer fire department who said this year’s auction was an all time high of $420,000. The chairman of the Chincoteague fire company, Mark Bowden, says the pony swim is critical to the community.
“This event helps provide funds for the life saving equipment for the fire company and supports the community,” Bowden said.
Jessica King was one lucky winner. She first saw her pony in the wild and knew she had to have it.
“We brought this particular pony because we got married a couple of months ago and the day before we got married we came out hiking with my sister in law and we were the first people to see the foal in the wild with its mom,” King said.
Winning the auction is not the only way to get a pony. The feather fund helps young people between the ages of 10 and 18 fulfill their dreams of owning a pony. Last year's winners, Chloe Dowler and Ryan Berg got to see their ponies Friday.
“After you get it it was just the best feeling, it was really exciting and everyone was cheering for you and it feels so good,” Berg said.
The Chincoteague Fire Department told WBOC the average price for a pony in this year's auction was between $3,000-$4,000. The department is planning an in person pony swim for next year.
