Chincoteague : guide complet de la race
The Chincoteague pony, also known as the Assateague horse, is an American feral herd on Assateague Island of Virginia and Maryland. The breed was made famous by the Misty of Chincoteague novels, written by Marguerite Henry, and first published in 1947. Although popularly known as Chincoteague ponies, the feral ponies live on Assateague Island which is owned by the US government and is split by a fence at the Maryland–Virginia state line.
Fiche recapitulative
| Caracteristique | Details |
|---|---|
| Nom | Chincoteague |
| Pays d’origine | Iles Assateague et Chincoteague, Virginie, Etats-Unis |
| Taille au garrot | 120-142 cm |
| Poids | 250-350 kg |
| Robes | Souvent pie, toutes couleurs |
| Esperance de vie | 25-30 ans |
| Caractere | Rustique, independant, docile une fois dresse, sociable |
Histoire et origines
Legend states that Chincoteague ponies descend from Spanish horses shipwrecked off the Virginia coast on their way to Peru in the 16th century. Another story holds that they descend from horses left on the island by pirates. Other evidence points to their ancestors actually being horses brought to the islands in the 17th century by mainland farmers.
Morphologie et caracteristiques physiques
Le Chincoteague mesure entre 120-142 cm au garrot pour un poids de 250-350 kg. Les robes admises sont : souvent pie, toutes couleurs.
Chincoteagues average around 13.2 hands (54 inches, 137 cm) in their feral state, but grow to at least 14.2 hands (58 inches, 147 cm) when domesticated and provided better nutrition. They generally weigh around 850 pounds (390 kg). All solid colors are found in the breed, as are pinto patterns. Horses with pinto coloration tend to sell for the most money at the annual auction.
Island Chincoteagues live on a diet of salt marsh plants and brush.
Caractere et temperament
Le Chincoteague est decrit comme rustique, independant, docile une fois dresse, sociable. Ces traits de caractere en font un poney apprecie pour de nombreuses activites equestres.
Aptitudes et disciplines
Le Chincoteague excelle dans les disciplines suivantes : randonnee, loisir, initiation, spectacle.
In 1947, pony book author Marguerite Henry released the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague, the first in a series of novels that made the Chincoteague ponies internationally famous. The real Misty was foaled on Chincoteague Island in 1946, and was purchased as a weanling by Henry. In 1961, the book met further success after it was adapted into a film.
Alimentation
Tres rustique. Vit en semi-liberte sur les iles. S’adapte a l’herbe de marecage et au sel.
Sante et entretien
Robuste mais souvent de petite taille (nanisme lie a l’insularite et a l’alimentation). Race celebre.
Comme pour tous les poneys, un suivi veterinaire regulier est essentiel : vaccinations, vermifugation, soins dentaires et parage des pieds.
Le Chincoteague, pour qui ?
Poney sauvage americain celebre grace au roman Misty de Chincoteague. Vente annuelle de poulains pour financer la brigade de pompiers.