Auction Day

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Pony Auction

The annual Pony Auction raises funds for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and veterinary care of the ponies and serves to control the pony population on Assateague Island, VA. Foals will be auctioned at 8am at the Carnival Grounds, and winners will receive a certificate of purchase from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Select ponies, designated as "buybucks" will also be auctioned, but returned to the herd to help maintain the population. Each winner of a "buyback" pony receives naming rights for their adopted pony. The "buyback' auctions are typically the most popular at the is event, so if you are interested in naming a Chincoteague Pony, be ready to bid!


ATTEND THE PONY AUCTION

Pony Express trolley service will run from 8am - 1pm for the Pony Auction. View trolley brochure and schedule. 

No pets or emotional support animals are permitted on the Pony Express trolleys or at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds. Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are permitted. 

The auction will begin at 8am. Bidders/viewers will be allowed in at 6am on a first come, first served manner that morning. You can park at the Carnival Grounds or ride the Trolley. Nobody will be granted access until 6am and all persons and items are subject to search. No pre-setting of chairs or placeholding will be permitted. Any chairs placed before 6 am on auction day will be removed by law enforcement.

This year's auction will be held in-person with an online bidding option. Please see details below. 


ONLINE BIDDING

Participants MUST pre-register to bid online. Bidding will take place simultaneously with in-person auction.

If you plan to bid on a pony and pay with a debit or credit card, it is highly recommended that you contact your bank prior to bidding to notify them of a possible purchase. This will minimize issues during the payment process and prevent delays in the auction proceedings. Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

 

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 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.  

4. If you plan to bid on a pony and pay with a debit or credit card, it is highly recommended that you contact your bank prior to bidding to notify them of a possible purchase. This will minimize issues during the payment process and prevent delays in the auction proceedings.   


IF YOU PLAN TO BID -

Visit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company's Pony FAQ page for important information about bidding and winning a pony.


Transportation - 

A horse or stock trailer is required to transport a pony. Horse trailers must have no openings, no dividers, and no entanglement threats. Your trailer will be inspected before loading your pony. 


PRICE HISTORY FOR PONIES:

  • 2025 100th Annual Pony Swim (Hybrid) - 94 ponies (including 6 buybacks) $1,008,100 (record); average cost $10,724 (record); high bid $100,000 (buyback)(record); high bid for a take-home $50,000 (record); low bid $3,000; 6 buybacks sold for $355,500 total (record) Auction Site. 100 foals born.

  • 2024 (Hybrid) - 88 ponies (including 7 buybacks) $547,700; average cost $6,223; high bid $50,500; low bid $1,600 Auction Site. 
     
  • 2023 (Hybrid) - 72 ponies (including 7 buybacks) $489,000; average cost $6,792; high bid $43,000 (buyback); low bid $1,800 Auction Site.

  • 2022 (Hybrid) - 63 ponies (including 10 buybacks) $450,200; average cost $7,146 (record); high bid $32,000 (buyback); low bid $2,500 (record)
  • 2021 (Online Only) - 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 (Online Only) - 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