Chincoteague Pony

Descending from the Assateague Island wild horses, the Chincoteague Pony stands on average between twelve and thirteen hands. This is attributed likely from the harsh environments they endure and their poor diets. In some cases, if raised in a structured environment and fed diets of high proteins, they will reach full horse size.

There are two hers of the Chincoteague pony, one in the Assateague area of Maryland, and the other in the Virginia side. There are regulations set in place making the desired herd size of no more than 150 Chincoteague ponies. Any more than this, their environment and natural habitat begins to erode, becoming less productive for the horses.

This is evident by the Chincoteague pony herd in Maryland, which has reached to 165 horses in recent years. In fact, it causes such devastation to the natural habitat to have more than the herd of 150, they have begun using safe and effective methods of birth control on the ponies, to prevent expansion of the herd.