Assateague Island is a long, narrow strip of land that stretches for 37 miles and hugs the eastern mid-Atlantic Coast. The barrier island is known for its unspoiled pristine beach. Seashells and other remnants wash ashore, telling stories of ocean life and island history.

The Assateague horses, on the Maryland side of the island, frequent the beach during the hot summer months. Cool ocean breezes provide relief from the heat and merciless biting insects.  

The Assateague horses and Chincoteague ponies share the island with shorebirds, waterfowl, sika deer, and other wildlife. They live harmoniously in the protected island habitat, without the threat of predators.

The Assateague horses and Chincoteague ponies spend most of their waking hours grazing. They graze year-round in the bay marshes, where salt meadow hay is a favorite food. The tall cordgrass blankets high marsh areas. It is a beautiful green color in summer and resembles straw in winter.

An important role for the harem stallion is the protection of his harem from marauders. Bachelor stallions are generally the primary harem threat. This stallion stands on watch, high on a dune, while his mare and foal nurse below the ridge.

Rest is essential for replenishing and conserving energy. The horses and ponies rest after walking and grazing and before they set off for the next grazing spot.  They may doze standing up for short periods or lie down and fall into a deep sleep for a longer time. Rest periods are shorter and grazing more frequent during the winter months.

Foals begin to graze as they grow and develop curiosity about their surrounding environment.  While still nursing, they begin to imitate the behavior of their mothers. 

Harem stallions herd their mares and foals to safety when there is potential danger.  These mares are being herded away from the threat of a nearby bachelor stallion.

The harem stallion will charge and threaten a bachelor stallion if he doesn't have time to herd his mares to safety. A serious battle may ensue if the bachelor doesn't back off.  Once the looting bachelor retreats, the harem stallion races back to his mares.

Foals are very playful and engage their elders in their games. On a warm summer’s evening, these Chincoteague foals frolic at the north end of the Virginia side of Assateague.

Approximately 150 Chincoteague ponies and 50 to 60 foals swim from Assateague to Chincoteague during slack tide, when water currents are weakest. The Saltwater Cowboys lead the ponies into Assateague Channel for the quarter mile swim that lasts from seven to nine minutes. Guide boats insure that the ponies swim across the channel at its safest point. Pregnant mares, aging ponies, and mothers with foals under three months of age, are transported to Chincoteague by trailer.