Auction Day
Participating in the Pony Auction
The following information is for those who plan to bid for a pony during the auction. The auction begins at 8 am on July 27, 2023 at the Carnival Grounds.
This year's auction will be held in-person with an online bidding option. Please see details below.
ONLINE BIDDING
IN-PERSON BIDDING
1. Be there early if you wish to bid on a pony. The crowds are huge and you will want a space as close to the front as possible.2. Wear a sun hat and sunscreen. Bring plenty to drink. A pencil and paper are always useful. A camera is nice. A folding chair is a great idea since there will be no bleachers available due to insurance restrictions.
3. You do not have to register for the in-person auction. If you raise your hand during the auctioneer's chant, you ARE MAKING A BID.
PRICE HISTORY FOR PONIES:
- 2022 (in-person w/ online bidding) - 63 ponies (including 10 buybacks) $450,200 (record) for 63 ponies---- 10 buybacks; average cost $7,146 (record); high bid $32,000 (buyback)(record); low bid $2,500 (record)
- 2021 (COVID-19 Online Auction) - 75 ponies (including 10 buybacks which sold for $162,950); average cost $3,908 (non-buyback); average cost $16,295 (buybacks); total average cost $5,559; high bid $25,500 (buyback); low bid $2,400; Total sales=$416,950
- 2020 (COVID-19 Online Auction) - 68 ponies; average cost $5,705; high bid $28,250; low bid $1,800; Total sales=$388,000
- 2019 - 57 ponies sold, average cost $4,767, high bid $17,500, low bid $1,400, total sales $271,700
- 2018 - 53 ponies sold (including 10 buybacks which sold for $93,100), average cost $4,309, high bid $20,000, low bid $1,000, total sales $228,400
- 2017 - 62 ponies sold (including 10 buybacks), average cost $3,385.48, high bid $15,000, low bid $1,100, total sales $209,900
- 2016 – 57 ponies sold (including 7 buybacks), average cost $2,658.77, high bid $11,000, low bid $550, total sales $151,550
- 2015 - 61 ponies sold (including 12 buybacks), average cost $2,779, high bid $25,000, low bid $500, total sales $169,519
- 2014 - 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,772.23, high bid $21,000, low bid $750, total sales $149,700
- 2013 - 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,161.58, high bid $12,000, low bid $650, total sales $116,725
- 2012 - 67 ponies sold, average cost $1,442.16, high bid $7,200, low bid $400, total sales $96,625
- 2011 - 69 ponies sold, average cost $1,442.02, high bid $6,700, low bid $450, total sales $99,500
- 2010 - 59 ponies sold, average cost $1,310.00, high bid $8,100, low bid $375, total sales $77,275
- 2009 - 70 ponies sold, average cost $1,344.29, high bid $11,700, low bid $500, total sales $94,100
- 2008 - 74 ponies sold, average cost $1,413.85, high bid $9,500, low bid $400, total sales $104,625
- 2007 - 73 ponies sold (70 foals, 3 yearlings), average cost $2,442.47, high bid $17,500, low bid $700, total sales $178,300
- 2006 - 78 ponies sold, average cost $2,150.64, high bid $7,500, low bid $350 (3 yr old), total sales $167,750
- 2005 - 66 ponies sold, average cost $2,255.30, high bid $8,000, low bid $900, total sales $148,850
- 2004 - 74 ponies sold, average cost $1,618.24, high bid $4,000, low bid $850, total sales $119,750
- 2003 - 71 ponies sold, average cost $1,798.59, high bid $6,600, low bid $1,000, total sales $127,700
- 2002 - 89 ponies sold, average cost $1,816.29, high bid $7,800, low bid $950, total sales $161,8650 Six "buyback" foals were sold for a total of $34,000.
- 2001 - 85 ponies sold, average cost $1,963.00, high bid $10,500, low bid $1,000, total sales $166,925
- 2000 - 84 ponies sold, average cost $2,060.54, high bid $7,500, low bid $1,300, total sales $173,085
- 1999 - 86 ponies sold, average cost $1,620.93, high bid $4,100, low bid of $800, total sales $139,400
5. The only acceptable forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, and CASH. The Fire Company will not accept checks!
Buybacks are returned to Assateague to replenish and upgrade the herd. Buyers are photographed with the turnbacks and will receive official registration papers, although any offspring of turnbacks will belong to the fire company.