When most people think of the Chincoteague ponies, their minds go straight to the world-famous Pony Swim and Auction that take place each July, but did you know that the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company also hosts two additional round ups each year?! These roundups occur in the Spring and Fall, and while they’re not as widely known, both are still they’re an incredible opportunity to see the ponies up close and experience beloved island traditions.
The purpose of the Fall Roundup is a bit different than the one that takes place each July. Rather than preparing the ponies for the Swim and auction, the Saltwater Cowboys will round up both herds for the purpose of health checks, and to identify any new foals that may have been born since the summer. The vets will administer inoculations against West Nile Virus and Equine Encephalitis, while also conducting deworming and hoof and teeth checks.
Once the vet checks are complete, the ponies are released back onto Assateague to roam freely until the next round up!
When: Friday, September 26th at 4:30 PM
Where: The South Pen (located directly in front of the Woodland Trail parking lot on the road to Assateague's Beach
What to Expect: The famous Saltwater Cowboys will ride out to gather the Southern Herd of ponies, eventually making their way back to the south corral. This usually takes 1-2 hours, and offers great viewing opportunities as the ponies remain in the corral overnight.
Pro Tip: If you'll want to leave for dinner reservations or to head out to explore the island before the event is over, avoid parking in the Woodland Trail lot, and park along the road to the beach instead! Once the ponies begin moving and the gate to the corral is open, cars will not be able to exit the parking lot until the entire herd is inside and the gates are secured.
When: Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 AM
Where: The Service Road, north of the Wildlife Loop Parking Lot
What to Expect: The Northern Herd Roundup takes much longer (5-6 hours) than the Southern Herd Roundup due to the size of the herd, and amount of ground that needs to be covered to locate all of the ponies. The public is allowed to walk the Service Road to the Cattle Grate (6 miles round trip) with additional access further north permitted once the ponies are all secured.
Unique Access: Unlike July's Roundups, the Fall Roundup is a much more intimate experience with much smaller crowds. You'll be able to spend as much time as you'd like seeing the ponies and taking in the event as a whole without having to worry about anything else in the world.
Photo Opportunities: With the ponies corralled overnight, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get that perfect shot of your favorite Chincoteague pony, and with less crowds, you won't have to worry about fighting the crowds for the perfect angle.
See the Cowboys at Work: Witness firsthand the dedication of our Saltwater Cowboys and Volunteer Fire Company in keeping the herd healthy and thriving.
Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to walk the Service Road on Saturday morning for the North Herd Roundup. Staying hydrated will also be key to a successful day!
Bring a camera for incredible photo opportunities. Be sure not to spend too much time looking through your viewfinder as you'll want to enjoy the moment and atmosphere, but having a few snapshots of your favorite ponies will give you a little something to take home to share with family and friends who aren't able to attend.
Respect the ponies and Saltwater Cowboys! Please keep a safe distance and never attempt to approach or feed the wild ponies. Safety is the top priority for events such as this!
Check for updates from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company! While rare, if there are any last minute changes, the Fire Company's Facebook Page will be THE source to stay in the know!
The Fall RoundUp on Chincoteague is more than just an event—it’s a glimpse into the care, history, and tradition that keeps this iconic herd thriving. Whether you’re a longtime visitor or experiencing the island for the first time, the round up offers a truly unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else.
