Misty of Chincoteague was written in 1947 by Marguerite Henry. The story was inspired by a real Chincoteague Island pony named Misty. Although the real Misty was foaled in domesticity rather than in the wild, the book heaped pique the nation’s curiosity about the wild horses of Assateague (they are called ponies because of their small size, but they are actually horses).
Born free: the wild ponies of Assateague Island.
It has long been a tradition to cull the wild pony herd in order to protect both the horses and their habitat. The Annual Pony Swim first started in 1924, and it has done nothing but grow since that time. In recent years, approximately 150 wild ponies are rounded up each July and made to swim across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island. Once there, many of the foals are sold in an auction; the remaining herd swims back to Assateague a few days later.
Wild ponies have lived on Assateague Island for approximately 400 years. No one knows for sure how the first ones ended up on the island. Perhaps Colonial settlers allowed their horses to graze on the island, and some turned wild and stayed. Perhaps wild horses from the mainland swam to the island and stayed. Perhaps a Spanish galleon ship carrying a cargo of horses sank near the island, and the horses swam ashore and lived. It is a fun puzzle to consider, but the truth doesn’t really matter. What matters most is protecting the wild ponies that live on Assateague today.
Marguerite Henry, who visited Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, found a compelling story in the wild ponies, and she wrote it. Thanks to her, millions of young people have learned about the amazing wild horses that make their home on an island in the Atlantic. Many of those children grow up and eventually travel here to see the wild horses. Some of them stay at our Chincoteague Island Bed and Breakfasts.
Marguerite Henry herself stayed in one of our Chincoteague B&Bs, Miss Molly’s Inn. Stay in the room where she once stayed. Perhaps you’ll feel inspired to create something enduring, as well.
