Taking bids on the ponies...

So did everyone remember to go out and swim their ponies in honor of Chincoteague's Pony Swim yesterday?

(Have no clue what I'm talking about or need a refresher? Click here for last year's Pony Swim post.)

Well, the Thursday after the swim, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, there is an auction held at the Carnival grounds to sell the foals born over the past year out on the island.

Once someone purchases the foal, they can be loaded up and transported anywhere in the United States as they have already been cleared for travel by the veterinarian.

Now the funny thing we learned on our visit to Chincoteague a couple years back, is that some people purchase ponies that have no intention of taking the home.

They buy the pony to give the funds to the local fire department, then donate the horse back into the herd so it grows up with the group on the island.

We also learned there is a name for those who are bought but left in the herd - they're called "apartment ponies" or "turnback foals" because their new owners live far away (perhaps in an apartment or home not larger enough for horses) .

So, you want to own a pony? Here's a list a rules and history from the chamber of commerce for the pony bid:

1. Be there early if you wish to bid on a pony. The crowds are huge and you will want a space as close to the front as possible.

2. Wear a sun hat and sunscreen. Bring plenty to drink. A pencil and paper are always useful. A camera is nice. A folding chair is a good idea since the bleachers fill up quickly.

3. You do not have to register for the auction. If you raise your hand during the auctioneer's chant, you ARE MAKING A BID.

4. Price history for ponies:

2006 - 78 ponies sold, average cost $2150.64, high bid of $7500, low bid of $350 (3 yr old). Total sales were $167,750

2005 - 66 ponies sold, Average cost $2255.30, high bid of $8000.00, low bid of $900.00. Total sales were $148,850.00.

2004 - 74 ponies sold, average cost $1618.24, high bid of $4000.00, low bid of $850.00. Total sales were $119,750.00.

2003 - 71 ponies sold, average cost of $1798.59, high bid of $6,600.00, low bid of $1000.00. Total sales were $127,700.00.

2002 - The average price for the ponies sold was $1,818.00. The highest priced foal went for $7,800.00, and the lowest successful bid was $950.00. Total sale was $161,800 for 89 foals. Six "turnback" foals were sold for a total of $34,000.00. Turnbacks are returned to Assateague to replenish and upgrade the herd. Buyers are photographed with the turnbacks and will receive official registration papers, although any offspring of turnbacks will belong to the fire company.

2001 - The average price for the ponies sold was $1,961.00. The highest priced foal went for $10,500.00, and the lowest successful bid was $1000.00. Total sale was $166,725.00 for 85 ponies.

2000 - The average price for the ponies sold was $2,060.00. The highest priced foal went for $7,500.00, and the lowest successful bid was $1300.00. Total sale was $173,085.00 for 84 foals sold.

1999 - The average price for ponies sold was $1,620.00. 86 ponies were sold. The lowest price was $800.00, and the highest price was $4,200.00.

5.Your transportation home for your new foal must be approved by the pony committee. (A horse trailer). Ponies must be picked up by 5 pm Friday.

6. The only acceptable forms of payment are Visa, Mastercard, and CASH. The Fire Department will not accept checks!

7. Registration of ponies purchased at auction - from the Chincoteague Pony Association.

So there you have it. You now can have a Chincoteague pony of your very own. Don't you think Jackie and Baylee would love a new friend?