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Wild Ponies

Both herds are managed differently. The National Park Service owns and manages the Maryland herd while the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd. Each summer there accumilates up to about 300 ponies, but there is a limit of 150. Therefore the reason for the . The Maryland herd began to use a contraceptive to manage birth control, which began in 1994.

The ponies stand about 12-13 hands tall. 14.4 hands equals a horse, and each hand equals four inches. Most ponies tend to resemble the Welsh or Arabian breeds, although Mustang blood is obvious in others. The ponies can be found in all colors, the most popular being the pinto. The rarest, being the black and white. Most likely their size is due to their poor diet.

The ponies live strictly on salt water grass(look at their large bellies), and they have fresh water in their secluded woods. Contrary to popular belief, no food or water is provided by anyone. They live through the harsh conditions on their own. It is said however that the babies bought and are domesticated, are said to live longer and grow larger.

Today, Chincoteague Ponies may be found throughout the United States. After the Pony Swim, the Auction takes place, people from all over the world come to buy ponies with the prices ranging anywhere from average 2,500. To the highest a black and white foal for 10,500 dollars.