"This is one of the best things that's ever happened to me," Maloney told CoastTV News.

The herd hit the water around 10:00 a.m. and took about four and a half minutes to cross.

Crowds will gather before sunrise for Chincoteague's annual Pony Swim, watching Saltwater Cowboys guide the famous herd across the Assateague Channel. The celebration continues with the downtown pony parade and Thursday's foal auction benefiting the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

Before Chincoteague Island became a bustling attraction, two devastating fires swept through Main Street more than a century ago. This changed the island's layout, architecture and history, according to the Museum of Chincoteague Island.

A surprise addition has arrived just days before the 101st Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim, as Foal No. 88 was born to mare Bella in the southern corral, according to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company said they found one mare dead during the Sunday Northern Herd Roundup. With the roundup now complete, the rest of the stallions, mares and foals were safely brought into the north corral.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company is now caring for two ponies after one became seriously ill and another was abandoned after its birth.

The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce has released the official schedule and transportation plan for the 2026 Chincoteague Pony Swim, outlining a week of events including the annual pony swim, foal auction and carnival.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company said Gidget’s Beach Baby died after being rescued from marsh mud following an extensive effort by cowboys.