Newspaper Article

It's Pony Time

Michael Schuman. Michael Schuman is a freelance writer

2003

Overview

Since 1925, the local guys now known as saltwater cowboys have spent late July rounding up the wild ponies roaming free on Assateague Island, across Assateague Channel from Chincoteague, which is today a fully protected national seashore. On that Wednesday, the cowboys lead 100 or so ponies across the channel at slack tide on their storied swim, first made famous in Marguerite Henry's 1947 book, \"Misty of Chincoteague.\" Inside is a Misty marketplace, selling everything from Breyer horse models depicting Misty's genuine line to enough copies of Marguerite Henry's horsey novels to fill any kid's bookshelf. In a back room is the Memories of Misty Museum. Posters promoting the 1961 movie \"Misty,\" based on Henry's book, are on the walls, and in display cases are vintage photos taken during the filming of the movie here on Chincoteague, including snapshots of Henry with Beebe family members; the real Maureen Beebe and child actress Pam Smith, who played her; and other cast members in character as Chincoteague Beebes. 1) Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Photo - The pony swim and penning, left, starts at Assateague Island. 2) AP Photo - Below, the wild ponies are rounded up by saltwater cowboys, who lead them across a channel onto Chincoteague Island. 3) Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Cover Photo - And they're off: The herd takes to the water at Assateague Island National Park.; It's Pony Time. On a swim from Assateague in Maryland to Chincoteague in Virginia, these wild animals put on a show. Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Cover Photo - And they're off: The herd takes to the water at Assateague Island National Park.

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