Auction Day

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Participating in the Pony Auction

Pony Express trolley service will run from 8am - 12pm for the Pony Auction. View trolley brochure and schedule. 

No pets or emotional support animals are permitted on the Pony Express trolleys or at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds. Service animals specifically trained to aid a disabled person are permitted. 

The following information is for those who plan to bid for a pony during the auction. The auction begins at 8 am on July 25, 2024 at the Carnival Grounds. 

This year's auction will be held in-person with an online bidding option. Please see details below.

 

ONLINE BIDDING


Participants MUST pre-register to bid online. Bidding will take place simultaneously with in-person auction. [REGISTER HERE FOR ONLINE AUCTION]  [ONLINE AUCTION LINK]

If you plan to bid on a pony and pay with a debit or credit card, it is highly recommended that you contact your bank prior to bidding to notify them of a possible purchase. This will minimize issues during the payment process and prevent delays in the auction proceedings.  

 

IN-PERSON BIDDING 

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 great idea since there will be no bleachers available due to insurance restrictions. 

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

4. If you plan to bid on a pony and pay with a debit or credit card, it is highly recommended that you contact your bank prior to bidding to notify them of a possible purchase. This will minimize issues during the payment process and prevent delays in the auction proceedings.   


PRICE HISTORY FOR PONIES:

  • 2024 (Hybrid) - 88 ponies (including 7 buybacks) $547,700 (record); average cost $6,223; high bid $50,500 (buyback)(record); low bid $1,600 Auction Site. Live Feed.
     
  • 2023 (Hybrid) - 72 ponies (including 7 buybacks) $489,000; average cost $6,792; high bid $43,000 (buyback); low bid $1,800 Auction Site.

  • 2022 (Hybrid) - 63 ponies (including 10 buybacks) $450,200; average cost $7,146 (record); high bid $32,000 (buyback); low bid $2,500 (record)
  • 2021 (Online Only) - 75 ponies (including 10 buybacks which sold for $162,950); average cost $3,908 (non-buyback); average cost $16,295 (buybacks); total average cost $5,559; high bid $25,500 (buyback); low bid $2,400; Total sales=$416,950
  • 2020 (Online Only) - 68 ponies; average cost $5,705; high bid $28,250; low bid $1,800; Total sales=$388,000
  • 2019 - 57 ponies sold, average cost $4,767, high bid $17,500, low bid $1,400, total sales $271,700
  • 2018 - 53 ponies sold (including 10 buybacks which sold for $93,100), average cost $4,309, high bid $20,000, low bid $1,000, total sales $228,400
  • 2017 - 62 ponies sold (including 10 buybacks), average cost $3,385.48, high bid $15,000, low bid $1,100, total sales $209,900
  • 2016 – 57 ponies sold (including 7 buybacks), average cost $2,658.77, high bid $11,000, low bid $550, total sales $151,550
  • 2015 - 61 ponies sold (including 12 buybacks), average cost $2,779, high bid $25,000, low bid $500, total sales $169,519
  • 2014 - 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,772.23, high bid $21,000, low bid $750, total sales $149,700
  • 2013 - 54 ponies sold, average cost $2,161.58, high bid $12,000, low bid $650, total sales $116,725
  • 2012 - 67 ponies sold, average cost $1,442.16, high bid $7,200, low bid $400, total sales $96,625
  • 2011 - 69 ponies sold, average cost $1,442.02, high bid $6,700, low bid $450, total sales $99,500
  • 2010 - 59 ponies sold, average cost $1,310.00, high bid $8,100, low bid $375, total sales $77,275
  • 2009 - 70 ponies sold, average cost $1,344.29, high bid $11,700, low bid $500, total sales $94,100
  • 2008 - 74 ponies sold, average cost $1,413.85, high bid $9,500, low bid $400, total sales $104,625
  • 2007 - 73 ponies sold (70 foals, 3 yearlings), average cost $2,442.47, high bid $17,500, low bid $700, total sales $178,300
  • 2006 - 78 ponies sold, average cost $2,150.64, high bid $7,500, low bid $350 (3 yr old), total sales $167,750
  • 2005 - 66 ponies sold, average cost $2,255.30, high bid $8,000, low bid $900, total sales $148,850
  • 2004 - 74 ponies sold, average cost $1,618.24, high bid $4,000, low bid $850, total sales $119,750
  • 2003 - 71 ponies sold, average cost $1,798.59, high bid $6,600, low bid $1,000, total sales $127,700
  • 2002 - 89 ponies sold, average cost $1,816.29, high bid $7,800, low bid $950, total sales $161,8650 Six "buyback" foals were sold for a total of $34,000.
  • 2001 - 85 ponies sold, average cost $1,963.00, high bid $10,500, low bid $1,000, total sales $166,925
  • 2000 - 84 ponies sold, average cost $2,060.54, high bid $7,500, low bid $1,300, total sales $173,085
  • 1999 - 86 ponies sold, average cost $1,620.93, high bid $4,100, low bid of $800, total sales $139,400
4. 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. 

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

Buybacks 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.