Chincoteague pony crossing goes swimmingly

More than 40,000 people looked on

About 130 wild ponies were herded across a strait between Assateague and Chincoteague islands Wednesday during the 86th July crossing, said a spokeswoman for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which runs the event.

More than 40,000 people watched as members of fire company's committee of "Saltwater Cowboys" guided the herd from atop their horses, said Denise Bowden.

It took 4 minutes and 40 seconds for the herd to make the passage across 75 yards, she said.

The tide was low and the herd was able to walk about half the distance across, Bowden said. About 60 foals, young ponies, will be auctioned Thursday to support the fire company.

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