This was one of many ponies that were a ‘paint’, a patch work pattern. What I found interesting was how so many had that pattern versus a solid coloring.
The brand ‘19’ means she was born in 2019. Not all ponies are branded though. Not 100% sure why, I heard various different reasons but none I care to write without more information.
We were in a great spot near the end of this day. A road that cuts through the federal park land opens for a few hours each day. Due to the current government shutdown the gate opened early, and we were driving right by.
No bouncing boat !
This part of a herd was grazing and slowly working their way through the marsh. The ponies are protected on this federal land, even a small fence line goes the length of the marsh to keep them from wandering where people might be. A large part of the island is federal land with no access.
The herd we were able to photograph most had a stallion, multiple mares, and a smaller group of young ponies. The young ones hung back from the main group. I assume there were a few young males, however it would be dangerously for them to be near any mares.
Below is the boss.
Even our guide commented on how perfect his mane seemed to be. Like he had been combed recently. That’s not since stallions are not exactly friendly.
Taken at the end of the day when the herds were moving to night time hides. The group had been scattered in the open fields and marsh, however when we spotted them they were slowly coming together near the woods.
I had been hoping to get some shots of ponies walking/running through the marsh water. I was about to give up when a few suddenly picked up speed towards the wood line.
The next day we discovered a major fresh water source was where they were going.
Wild ponies on Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Late afternoon herd of ponies photographed from dry land. Which means no bouncing telephoto lens issues 😁.
At the end of each day a road is opened in the federal lands where the ponies live. We passed by a marsh with perfect timing. A herd was coming by heading to a watering hole in the nearby scrub pine forest.
I liked this shot because it provides a wide view of their habitat.
This pony was heading towards its herd, walking through an island salt marsh. This particular herd was about 18 ponies, though hard to tell since they moved around scrub pines and some went off to a watering hole. The water right here is brackish not fresh, though the ponies can digest a certain amount while grazing.
Taken from a small side path along a swamp pond. This is place where you carefully place one foot in front of the other, twist so you don’t trip on any of the Cypress Tree knees, and watch for the locals to avoid any ‘issues’. A nice spot.
The water always has nice shades of color from the different trees along the banks. You can usually watch the traffic go by, the alligators moving from one end to the other.
Slow movements of the tail and hardly a ripple in the water as he moved. I’m always in awe on how the move about.
