Congrats! Chincoteague ponies now official pony of Virginia as Youngkin signs off on bills

UPDATE: Gov. Glenn Youngkin officially signed off on bills to make the Chincoteague pony the official pony of the commonwealth.

Youngkin signed the bills Monday, March 27. Sen. Lynwood Lewis' bill SB1478 passed unanimously while a companion bill — HB 1951 — cleared the House of Delegates with 93-7 votes during the 2023 General Assembly session.

What better way to foster bipartisan unity than with the legendary herd of Chincoteague ponies?

A pair of bills introduced in the Virginia Legislature by the Eastern Shore delegation, Delegate Robert Bloxom, a Republican, and Sen. Lynwood Lewis, a Democrat, have put forward an idea that touches Shore residents and many beyond: Making the Chincoteague pony the official pony of the Commonwealth. And now both bills have been passed and have been forwarded to the desk of Gov. Glenn Youngkin for his signature.

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which had led the charge for the overdue designation, celebrated the victory in a post on Facebook.

"We are very happy to announce that SB 1478 and HB 1951 have passed! Votes were unanimous in VA State Senate and 93-7 in the House of Delegates! All that’s left is for t;he gvernor to sign into law. Hooray for the Chincoteague Ponies, their owners and their fans! Near and far we thank you for your overwhelming support for this distinct honor on behalf of all Chincoteague Ponies!"

The Department, which has cared for the herd for generations. launched the drive to bring the beloved ponies to legislators' attention.

"We are grateful to be the stewards and proud owners of the Wild Chincoteague Ponies. Earlier this year, we set out with a goal of making the Chincoteague Pony the Official Pony of Virginia. I am pleased to announce that Delegate Bloxom and Senator Lewis have stepped up to the plate and will present a bill to make the Chincoteague Pony the Official Pony of the Commonwealth of Virginia," the fire department shared in a Facebook post.

Delegate Bloxom shared this with Delmarva Now about his reason for introducing the bill in the House:

"When Gov. Youngkin visited Chincoteague this idea was discussed with me and by members of the Volunteer Fire Department. Sophia Gallivan, a member of the drill team, championed the project and help give background and motivation behind the bill. I am proud to bring this to Richmond and to have the support of the governor and first lady."

Pony Swim history and appeal

The story of the Chincoteague herd is well-known now, and as the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company shared, the famous Pony Penning that has given it worldwide appeal really all began in 1925, and really took off with the publication of Marguerite Henry's "Misty of Chincoteague" in 1947.

"Since 1925 people have been able to buy a wild foal and take it home to train and ride it, often it becomes a part of their family and has a lasting impact on their life," the department stated in Sunday's post.

PONY HISTORY: Did Chincoteague ponies come from a Spanish shipwreck? Centuries-old tooth adds to legend

More:Chincoteague Pony Swim 2022 returns to full glory. 'It gives you chills'

Pony Penning refers to the weeklong celebration in July that include the pony roundup, swim, auction and swim back, among other events.

Despite two virtual years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the related auction has set records for three years running.

Chincoteague pony lovers were out in force to make 2022 a year to remember with a record total of $450,200 raised from the auction of 63 ponies, including 10 buybacks, according to a tally posted on the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Certified Visitor Center's site.

The Pony Swim itself, which draws all kinds of pony lovers to wade into swamps, climb trees or whatever they have to do to get a glimpse, also returned live in 2022 after two years off.

Here is a gallery from the 2022 swim.

Through it all the appeal of the Chincoteague ponies has persevered, so as the fire department pleads, "Now please join us in voicing your support for the bill. With your support they will receive this well deserved accolade and yet again they will prove they are here to stay for generations!"

OLDEST PONY: Chincoteague herd's oldest pony, Wild Thing, has died

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: UPDATE: Chincoteague ponies now official pony of Virginia