Sublimely Beautiful Sunday Walking Chincoteague Beach

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It was such a beautiful sight. To witness the Beach Walk, as the Saltwater Cowboys escorted the Chincoteague Ponies along the surf, the sun barely ready to come out and play. They were rounded up from the Assateague National Refuge, where they are gathered for the annual Pony Swim. The island can only support so many ponies, so every season, many of the foals/fillies are auctioned off. The auction helps control the herd size and raises money for veterinary services for the ponies along with the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.


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We grow wild, running in the sun. Cast your shadow and keep company with the shine of the day. There were hundreds of us, making our way down the beach, finding our piece of it, where we can sit and watch as the ponies parade by. Oh, it is not such a grand event, but, it is a tradition of sorts and I have been going and supporting the cause for ten years now. Incidentally, my Henry was born here on this island, and I bought him at auction, so perhaps that is why it is near and dear to me. Or perhaps, it is just that kind of thing that makes my heart sing. Man and nature working together for a better outcome. I'd like to think that is the one.

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Prior to the refuge's establishment in 1943, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company purchased the ponies and continues ownership to this day. The Firemen are allowed to graze up to 150 ponies on refuge land through a Special Use Permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

A fence along the Virginia/Maryland State line (the northern refuge boundary) separates the island's ponies into two herds. The Maryland herd is owned by the National Park Service. The Virginia herd is owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and is grazed in two designated compartments on the refuge. source

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The crowd were large and enthusiastic! We all love the ponies and so many of the people know them by name. Did you know they all have registered names? They became an official registered breed in 1994. About 60-70 foals are born each spring and are what drives this Beach Walk, which in turn ends up at the auction.



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Today is brought to you by #BeautifulSunday by @Ace108 where you show off how you spend your day and also #SublimeSunday by @c0ff33a where any random post will do.


And, of course, we must have a flower, always...to color my world. I dedicate this picture to #SundayPurple for the #ColorChallenge by @Kalemandra. Nobody colors like she does.

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This photo is dedicated to #MonochromeMonday by @Old-Man-Photos! Gather those shots for the Monday Challenge!

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The SaltWater Cowboys keep the ponies walking along the water, so there is no chance for a wandering pony. On Saturday, the ponies took an early walk along the beach as tourists were sunbathing and swimming. A man was surprised when he got kicked by one of them as he tried to pet his hindquarters. Oh, sir!!! As if!!!

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The End of the Line!

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And suddenly, they become just a faint memory, only to live in the minds of those who witnessed it. A quick tide rolling in washes away all the evidence.

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And just like that, this post is done. I want to thank @ace108 and @c0ff33a for hosting these challenges and even though the day is done, I can guarantee that there is still a little sunshine left in my heart. Have a most fabulous evening!



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Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.


I always post this poem down at the bottom of my posts. It is one that has become so near and dear to my heart. I only post the most famous part of it, but, wanted to post it in its entirety today.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire



#Steemusa is a growing community of quality-content people from the United States or those living here. Check us out on Discord!

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I always saw and heard of cowboys in TV and story never knew about them in real. But glad to find them in real too...and tha too with lots of ponnies in the lovely set up of beach...in my childhood I was so fascinated with their stories I owned a hat like them...and use to keep a wooden piece in my waist as gun...😉

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Cowboys are still a real thing. I lived in Texas and I feel like that is the home of the cowboy and the coolest site is to walk into a hardware store and the only thing you c. an see her stetson hats. Those are cowboy hats. A particular brand anyway.

Pony week is a real thing too and they need to cull the herd or downsize it every year or there will not be enough food to support the herd. So they take most of the babies and auction them off to people who will take good care of them and keep a few to keep the herd growing. This gives it a balance. I want to thank you for stopping by and saying hello and leaving your words behind. May you have a most wonderful week!

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Hello!

This post has been manually curated, resteemed
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Much love to you from all of us at @helpie!
Keep up the great work!


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Thank you so much for the awesome support @helpie and @steemflow! It is so wonderful to find this hanging out on my post!

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Congratz, your post has been resteemed and, who knows, will maybe appear in the next edition of the #dailyspotlights (Click on my face if you want to know more about me...)
Check the rules of the Daily Spotlights if you want to nominate someone!
Pixresteemer is also listed as promoter on The Steemians Directory

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Everytime I come across one of your comments it just makes me smile! Thank you so much for always showing up to put a smile on my face and making me feel like my post was Worthy of coming. You are the sweetest and I just want you to know that you are appreciated!

I hope you have a most wonderful week ahead!

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Wow! I never heard that ponies are registered too. I only thought it was dogs. Well, if we have a pony, I would love to give our surname to her, too. Hahaha! 😂

I'm glad that you had a beautiful sunday, and I love the sunset too!!! 😍😍😍

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Can you believe that? Yes horses are registered. They have been for a long time because of breeding purposes. They race them and show them and keep track of their lineage. Actually bought one of these years ago at one of the pony swims and we are so tickled pink with it because he's a beautiful boy. We registered in name Tim also, which is funny because we don't show him your race him all the same we wanted him to have a real name. LOL

I do have a most beautiful Sunday and it's actually a sunrise because that's how my day started. We gathered in the dark Before Sunrise. Thank you so much for stopping by and say hello and leaving your wonderful words behind.

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The photos from your Sunday walk are beautiful)

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Thank you so much! I have to admit that the pictures we're not the best in quality because it was so dark and I think it was more I loved being there than the pictures could ever say. Of course I tried to select some that could show or reflect how I was feeling. I appreciate you stopping saying about leaving your words behind. I hope you have a most wonderful day as you had to listen to the week!

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Thank you for reply! Have a nice week too:)

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A really beautiful walk that stays in memory forever.

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It is so very true! The memory will stay with me forever and even though the Tidewater Wash It Away almost immediately, I never forget ponies strolling down the beach. It's very beautiful sight.

Thank you for stopping by and as always I hope you have a most wonderful week!

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Thank you very much for the tip!

You have the knack of finding nice places to recharge your battery!

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(Edited)

woah ponnies and cowboys on the beach, have not seen anything like this - cowboys crossing a beach. 😁

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It's funny because ponies and Cowboys on a Beach is not something that you would see on the normal basis. You are more likely to see them wandering off into a desert scape. But to tell the truth there are plenty of ponies and beaches around the United States. Of course they are the only Cowboys that I know that cohabitate with them. It's an interesting piece of History they have and I'm always happy to be a part of it. Thank you so much for stopping by and say hello and leaving a Time coming behind. As always I wish you to have a most wonderful day.

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That sunrise though! Omg you are really making me miss the salt life! Wouldn't that be the sweetest way to start a day! Magnificent!

The whole operation is just amazing. How they got on the island in the first place must be a miracle. Then that they were able to live and grow as a herd is just so cool. Then the saltwater cowboys and the auction for the fire department....can anything by more full of Americana? I think not!

Oh even a Monochrome shot! Yes you do know how to make the old man's day!

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The sun rises were amazing out there as they usually are on the water. Put in a little bit of salt and you have some real magic there! I am sure that you are missing the salt life because who wouldn't? It is the sweetest way to start a day and you know I could do it every single day of my life. I like it that much. Or perhaps I just miss it that much.

They really have this Pony weak down pat. It all started with a shipwreck and it just grew from there. It's an interesting story but not much different than most of the ones I have ever read about wild ponies and how they made it here. It's real small town but I actually adore it and that you know Henry's part of this herd so that makes it even more near and dear to my heart.

I had such a busy day going on that I was afraid I might miss monochrome Monday oh, so I tossed in a monochrome just for you. LOL

As always, have a great day!

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Well I have yet to do a mono, so you are way ahead of me! Oh I just bet you were the teacher's pet alright!

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Well I would say that you better get on it! Stop spending so much time fooling around!

Lele!!

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Ahhh... I've never seen anything like this or ridden a horse on the beach or really ridden a horse for reals : ) Must be great fun!

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I could tell you that it's fun to ride a horse on the beach and I have done that many times but Cowboys with the horses on the beach are a little bit different and the saltwater Cowboys are only here and I don't know of any others anywhere else. I think it's something that everybody should try once in their life! Good morning mr. Fletcher. I hope you're having a most wonderful day! Thank you for stopping by to say hello and leaving your kind words behind

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Some great views to enjoy at the beach there and making Sundays more interesting

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One can never go wrong with views of the beach and you are so right! It sure made Sunday a lot more interesting to enjoy watching ponies stroll down the beach at Daybreak! I wish you a most wonderful day and thank you for stopping by and leaving your kind words!

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Beautiful, beautiful sunrise @dswigle. Great to see the ponies are auctioned to great homes and the proceeds go to continue the process. I didn't realize there were two states involved with different herds, wow ! I can see why you go back each year, truly a special event :)

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Sunrises are always a beautiful sight on the beach, atent they? It is a wonderful set of events the have that keep this process going. I'm always amazed.

I didnt realize there were two herds at first, either. I bought one at auction years ago and live supporting this event. A worthy cause and so much fun!

Thank you for being such a great supporting person! I am sorry my internet has been zero! I hope you have a great day!

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A gorgeous sunrise, the pony run wow what a greta first post to see for the day, Loved it, it must have been such an amazing experience

Thanks for being an Active member and super guide for SteemUSA !tip

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It really was a great experience and I am so happy to be a part of it. The sun rise every single day oh, it's always amazing as you know. And the pony swim is always such a fun place to be and I try not to miss it. Incidentally I brought some Saltgrass back for my pony Henry.

A taste of home! :)

Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words behind. I hope you have a great day!

Thank you for being such a great guide for #SteemUSA!

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I bet henry loved the sal grass, and so cool you got to have this whole amazing experience

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He always does!! I am surprised he remembers it!

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I guess its like us remembering special seasonal treats LOL

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Yes!!! It is my treat! I get it!

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That are some fantastic shots! Great explanations to go with each. It's awesome they're so well taken care of.

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Thank you so much for the wonderful comment that you always leave! Because it's not such a normal, I want it at least make sure people understood. Truly speaking, I could have done a better job at explaining but I was so tired because I just got home and hopefully it's the week progresses and I go into more of what it's about people understand a little bit more. They are really well taken care of. Thank you so much for stopping by to say hello and leaving you words behind!

I hope you have a great day!

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Good day Denise! Indeed, a beautiful sight. A herd of horses, I have never seen so much.
Did you visit Henry's "relatives"?

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Hi, Leya!! I love the wild herds of ponies and horses. They are so fun to watch in the wild. The sometimes come up on the beach when people are sunning. :)

I did visit Henry's brother! He has distinctive markers! The actually name all of the ponies! Thank you for the great support and leaving awesome comments. Have a great day!

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Beautiful beach and sunset view happy Sunday.

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Thanks so much for the words! I hope you have a great day!

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What a peaceful day on the beach! Looks like you had a great day out there :)

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It was perfect! Well, you know, just about as perfect life can be. There is something so beautiful about nature and being one with it.

And the vision of watching horses swim across islands is amazing. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words! Have an amazing day!

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Awwww - they are all on the beach - each and every one of them so beautiful... The atmosphere must be something else. Just being at the beach is great, with beautiful creatures such as these... awesome!

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You know what, AC? @ackhoo The vision of watching those ponies swim island to island is one that is burned in my memory. So graceful. So beautiful. I am so lucky to be able to witness such an event.

My house is close to the beach, so it is there for our everyday pleasure, but, yes! Even that is such a bonus in life. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your always wonderful words! xoxo

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Love all these photos, but that last one with the horse foot print in the sand is my favorite. And the purple!!! yummy color.
Great read. Thanks.

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You are so amazingly sweet! Thank you and yes!! I wasn't sure it would be understood, so, of course, I put the words to it, but, it was moments after they pass, all the hoof prints in the sand and mother nature came and took all evidence of the event away.

Le sigh.

I love those flowers and buy them every year to plant in my garden! Thank you for your oh-so-beautiful comments, always! Have a most wonderful day!

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I find your story so American. Tradition and respect for it. I'm so glad you find so much pleasure in this holiday.

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I must be honest. I find pleasure in all the holidays! :) Time spent off doing nothing at all is usually much more fun than working. :)

Seriously, I think I like going here because it is where my pony Henry was born. Thank you and I hope you have a great day!

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I also like all the holidays! Not so great but a good day considering I still have what to do.

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Well, that is always good to look forward to it! :)

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This line struck me

it is not such a grand event, but, it is a tradition of sorts

I think that describes so much of life. Important events that mean a lot to us that might never receive the fanfare of the world around us.

Thanks for sharing about the ponies!

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Isn't that the truth? I am sitting out on the beach, wondering how so many people can miss out on such an event? Then of course, I remember that what makes me smile is so very different from others, whether through their not knowing or a different lifestyle that never touches on things like this.

It is indeed what makes the world go round. Thanks so much for stopping in to say hello, leaving your kind words behind. Have a great day!

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This must be a great sight to see the creatures running together.

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It is so awesome to watch the ponies swimming from one island to the next! Yes!!! Thank you so much for making this post possible by hosting the #BeautifulSunday challenge!

It is one of my favorite and I almost never miss it! Have a great day, Ace! @ace108

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You're welcome.
Thanks for tip.

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What a splendid sight to see, early morning ponies enjoying the beach, delightful photography once again with something completely different Denise.

Running to auction is not a bad idea to keep population numbers down in small area, look to be happy with the number of foals running next to the ponies.

We have a horse school in our area, most we see are about 8 horses enjoying the beach with riders, they are so happy to hit the sand and run next to the sea, another animal the dogs are fearful of we leash them up when the horses go by.

Thanks for sharing this gorgeous event @dswigle

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Thank you so much, Joan! I love going when the dark still envelopes the area, waiting for the sun to shine upon the waters. The ponies live on Assateague Island which is only 21 square miles to keeping the numbers down.

The horse school has working horses, which is some fun for them, but, these are wild and except for the once a year pony swim and auction are left to their own devices, frolicking in the water and wetlands, Oh, what a life! There must be something about water and horses, they seem to love it! Thank you for stopping by and saying hello, always leaving such a thoughtful comment behind. Thank you.

Have a most beautiful day in sunny South Africa.

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Oh to witness wild horses running on the beach at sunrise, sounds like a dream come true, I would be there waiting before the sun came up like you Denise.

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It is a slice of heaven to be able to do it. And just like your amazing life, I look at yours and give a sigh.

We both have heaven! Indeed!

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This post was curated by @theluvbug
and has received an upvote and/or a resteem.

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In Proud Collaboration with The Power House Creatives
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Thank you so much for the love!!! @luvbug! I can feel the hug from here!

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Congratulations @dswigle!
Your post was mentioned in the Steem Hit Parade in the following category:

  • Comments - Ranked 1 with 87 comments
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This would be one of the top ten most wonderful experiences of a lifetime for me and I can tell it is for you too. The whole caring and sharing system is perfect. The question for me is, why so early in the morning? Is it because of the tide?

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Exactly! They need to do it during slack tide so that they have plenty of room on the beach. The swim, which will be coming up also used slack tide, so the little ones can make it.

It is the most wonderful experience! Perhaps you will make it someday. It is so worth the time!

I love their reasons or it and how well it is orchestrated. Thank you for coming by and leaving your always words of wisdom!

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@dswigle You have received a 100% upvote from @intro.bot because this post did not use any bidbots and you have not used bidbots in the last 30 days!

Upvoting this comment will help keep this service running.

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That sunrise photo though - just wow incredible what a photo and what a view. And how amazing seeing the cowboys driving the ponies for a swim - an incredible experience and we get to share it through your photography - incredible. And you still sneaked in two beautiful flowers as well, one purple and the most beautiful of all blond 🤗😍 !COFFEEA 15

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Well, aren't you just the sweetest?? Thank you so much for that and it was such a fun day and I loved it- I do every year! :)

It is a little dark for the pictures at that time of day, but it is such an incredible sight!!

Oh, you little flirt! LOL

Thanks for the tokens and I hope you have a most wonderful day! I just love the #SublimeSunday!!!

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I am quite sure every Steemian agrees, that sometimes our most beautiful flower needs reminding just how beautiful she is 😉

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Well, thank you! You are so sweet. :)

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