CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — The 100th Annual Chincoteague Pony Auction has broken records, raising an impressive $1,009,100, far surpassing the previous record by more than $460,000. Held at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds, the auction saw 95 ponies sold, with some making headlines due to their record-high bids. The proceeds from the auction will help fund the ongoing care and management of the wild pony herd on Assateague Island. These funds directly support the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s work in providing medical care, feeding, and managing the herd year-round.
One of the key moments at this year’s auction was Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin securing the highest bid ever at $50,000 for a foal. The popular “buy-back” program, where ponies are purchased and returned to the island, raised a remarkable $255,000. Among the buy-back sales, one foal received a groundbreaking $100,000 bid from Darcey Cole, doubling the previous buy-back record. As the auction celebrated its centennial, it highlighted the deep community connection and conservation efforts that have defined the event for over a century.
