A trip several years in the making. A friend, also a photographer, planned on visiting these Virginia barrier islands about three years ago. We were joining him… but none of us could coordinate a time.

We finally did a few days ago.

The reason to head there are the herds of wild ponies.

The ponies are traced to Spanish ships, from the 15th century, which wrecked on the shores of the islands. This herd, and another on Assateague Island live within federal land. However they are kept separate for health reasons. The Chincoteague herds are owned by the local fire department and receive vet care when needed, allowed to breed, and foals sold to keep the herds manageable. Assateague have no management, this group is less healthy and much smaller.

We used guides with boats and drove on roads that open at special times. The trick is finding them, and within a distance that you can photograph. Next issue is to not fill your memory card the first time you see them.

They ignore people and are stay within inaccessible areas. These are a few random images from my first sightings.