{"id":16773,"date":"2025-07-21T14:33:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T18:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/?p=16773"},"modified":"2025-07-21T14:33:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T18:33:02","slug":"chincoteague-to-mark-100th-pony-penning-with-enhanced-security-after-online-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteague-to-mark-100th-pony-penning-with-enhanced-security-after-online-threat\/","title":{"rendered":"CHINCOTEAGUE TO MARK 100TH PONY PENNING WITH ENHANCED SECURITY AFTER ONLINE THREAT"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2014<\/strong> The Town of Chincoteague is preparing for the 100th Anniversary of its iconic Pony Penning Week, with celebrations scheduled from Saturday, July 26 through Friday, August 1, 2025. Organizers anticipate record attendance as thousands are expected to travel to the Eastern Shore for this historic occasion. The world-famous Pony Swim, a highlight of the week, will take place on Wednesday, July 30, as Saltwater Cowboys guide the island\u2019s wild ponies across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island. The annual Pony Auction will follow on Thursday, July 31, with proceeds supporting the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.<br>This year\u2019s centennial events will see enhanced security following a credible online threat reported earlier this year. On January 17, Chincoteague officials and law enforcement confirmed the event had been mentioned in a list of potential targets reportedly circulated by Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Specific details were not released, but the Town is taking comprehensive measures to ensure safety.<br>Attendees will face new restrictions in event areas: coolers, umbrellas, glass containers, and non-clear bags are prohibited. Visitors may bring clear plastic bags or small clutches not exceeding 4.5 by 6.5 inches, and all items are subject to inspection. Despite the increased precautions, officials remain confident the week will proceed safely and are asking for the public\u2019s cooperation. The pony swim\u2019s return crossing is scheduled for Friday, August 1. Additional volunteers are sought for shuttle services throughout the week. Details, schedules, and volunteer information are available at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.chincoteague.com\">www.chincoteague.com.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"772\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ponies.png?resize=772%2C285&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ponies.png?w=772&amp;ssl=1 772w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ponies.png?resize=300%2C111&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ponies.png?resize=768%2C284&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2014 The Town of Chincoteague is preparing for the 100th Anniversary of its iconic Pony Penning Week, with celebrations scheduled from Saturday, July 26 through Friday, August 1, 2025. Organizers anticipate record attendance as thousands are expected to travel to the Eastern Shore for this historic occasion. The world-famous Pony Swim, a highlight [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/ponies.png?fit=772%2C285&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-4mx","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":13579,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteague-announces-new-security-measures-for-100th-pony-penning-week\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":0},"title":"Chincoteague Announces New Security Measures for 100th Pony Penning Week","author":"admin","date":"March 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2013 The Town of Chincoteague has announced increased security measures for the 100th Pony Penning Week this summer, including new screening procedures and a list of prohibited items. According to a statement released by the town, coolers, umbrellas, glass containers, and non-clear bags or backpacks will not be\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/lonely-horse-stepping-on-the-sandy-beach-2025-03-25-08-47-48-utc-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13423,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteague-fire-company-reaches-fundraising-goal-for-pony-ambulance\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":1},"title":"Chincoteague Fire Company Reaches Fundraising Goal for Pony Ambulance","author":"admin","date":"March 25, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2014 The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company has successfully met its $25,000 fundraising goal to purchase an off-road rescue vehicle, thanks to strong community support. The specialized equipment, known as the \"pony ambulance,\" will aid in rescuing and caring for the island's wild ponies. By Monday morning, donors had\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/scenic-view-of-wild-horses-walking-on-a-sandy-beac-2025-02-11-16-40-13-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/scenic-view-of-wild-horses-walking-on-a-sandy-beac-2025-02-11-16-40-13-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/scenic-view-of-wild-horses-walking-on-a-sandy-beac-2025-02-11-16-40-13-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/scenic-view-of-wild-horses-walking-on-a-sandy-beac-2025-02-11-16-40-13-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/scenic-view-of-wild-horses-walking-on-a-sandy-beac-2025-02-11-16-40-13-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C742&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17056,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteagues-100th-annual-pony-auction-sets-new-record-raising-over-1-million\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":2},"title":"Chincoteague\u2019s 100th Annual Pony Auction Sets New Record, Raising Over $1 Million","author":"admin","date":"August 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2014 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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wild-horse-on-the-beach-2025-03-08-23-03-21-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wild-horse-on-the-beach-2025-03-08-23-03-21-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C765&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wild-horse-on-the-beach-2025-03-08-23-03-21-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C765&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wild-horse-on-the-beach-2025-03-08-23-03-21-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C765&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/wild-horse-on-the-beach-2025-03-08-23-03-21-utc-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C765&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":15128,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteague-firefighters-rescue-two-foals-over-memorial-day-weekend\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":3},"title":"CHINCOTEAGUE FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE TWO FOALS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND","author":"admin","date":"May 27, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. \u2014 Memorial Day Weekend brought more than crowds to this barrier island. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company\u2014also known for managing the island\u2019s wild pony herd\u2014responded to back-to-back calls involving vulnerable foals in need of intervention. The first incident unfolded May 23, when a premature filly struggled to navigate\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chincoteague.jpg?fit=1200%2C449&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chincoteague.jpg?fit=1200%2C449&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chincoteague.jpg?fit=1200%2C449&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chincoteague.jpg?fit=1200%2C449&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/chincoteague.jpg?fit=1200%2C449&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19844,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/pony-express-trolley-receives-updated-10-year-transit-plan-in-chincoteague\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":4},"title":"Pony Express Trolley Receives Updated 10-Year Transit Plan in Chincoteague","author":"admin","date":"December 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, Virginia \u2013 The Town of Chincoteague has released a new 10-year Transit Development Plan for its Pony Express trolley system, outlining service evaluations, operational recommendations, and long-term goals, according to information released by the town. The plan covers fiscal years 2026 through 2036 and focuses on improving efficiency, reliability,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chincoteague-Welcome-Sign.jpg?fit=843%2C575&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chincoteague-Welcome-Sign.jpg?fit=843%2C575&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chincoteague-Welcome-Sign.jpg?fit=843%2C575&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Chincoteague-Welcome-Sign.jpg?fit=843%2C575&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13955,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/chincoteague-island-library-announces-1000-scholarship-for-local-students\/","url_meta":{"origin":16773,"position":5},"title":"Chincoteague Island Library Announces $1,000 Scholarship for Local Students","author":"admin","date":"April 11, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"CHINCOTEAGUE, VA \u2013 The Chincoteague Island Library is offering a $1,000 scholarship for local students graduating in spring 2025. High school seniors or home-schooled students who reside in Chincoteague or attend Chincoteague High School are eligible to apply. The scholarship is intended to help with tuition at a two-year or\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chincoteague-Library.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chincoteague-Library.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Chincoteague-Library.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16773"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16776,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16773\/revisions\/16776"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}