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 récapitulative
| Caractéristique | Détails |
|---|---|
| Nom | Chincoteague |
| Pays d’origine | Îles Assateague et Chincoteague, Virginie, États-Unis |
| Taille au garrot | 120-142 cm |
| Poids | 250-350 kg |
| Robes | Souvent pie, toutes couleurs |
| Espérance de vie | 25-30 ans |
| Caractère | Rustique, indépendant, docile une fois dressé, 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 caractéristiques 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.
Caractère et tempérament
Le Chincoteague est décrit comme rustique, indépendant, docile une fois dressé, sociable. Ces traits de caractère en font un poney apprécié pour de nombreuses activités équestres.
Aptitudes et disciplines
Le Chincoteague excelle dans les disciplines suivantes : randonnée, 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
Très rustique. Vit en semi-liberté sur les îles. S’adapte à l’herbe de marécage et au sel.
Santé et entretien
Robuste mais souvent de petite taille (nanisme lié à l’insularité et à l’alimentation). Race célèbre.
Comme pour tous les poneys, un suivi vétérinaire régulier est essentiel : vaccinations, vermifugation, soins dentaires et parage des pieds.
Le Chincoteague, pour qui ?
Poney sauvage américain célèbre grâce au roman Misty de Chincoteague. Vente annuelle de poulains pour financer la brigade de pompiers.