Chincoteague Pony Penning Week Ends with Record Auction & One Pony Death

A week of fun and horse play ended in tragedy when one of the Chincoteague ponies died in the corral.  Chincoteague fire officials reported the death of Butterfly Kisses on their Facebook page and say the pony was being chased by another pony when Butterfly Kisses slipped and slid in the fence, breaking her neck.  The vet and Saltwater Cowboys were on the scene quickly, but say there was no chance of survival and she was euthanized and returned to Assateague and buried.  Butterfly Kisses foal was bought by a local family yesterday and had already been taken to its new home.

The ponies that were not bought during Thursday’s auction have been returned to Assateague.  The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce says that this year 53 ponies were sold – including 9 buybacks.  The buybacks sold for $93,100.  The total sales was a new record of $228,400.  The average cost was $4309 (also a record) – the high bid at $20,000 – the low bid – $1000.  Proceeds from the auction benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company – some of it is used for veterinary care for the ponies.  Much of this year’s proceeds will go towards their new fire house.