The wild ponies of Chincoteague

Wild ponies are herded into the Assateague Channel during a rain storm for their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague in Chincoteague, Va., July 24, 2013.

This year marked the 88th annual Pony Swim and auction. The auction of ponies helps to control the size of the wild horse herd on Assateague, and is also a fundraiser for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which cares for the herd.

Wild ponies are herded into the Assateague Channel, July 24, 2013.

Ponies that are not sold will be brought back to the national wildlife refuge on Assateague for another year. Those horses that are purchased and then donated back to the fire department will be allowed to roam the refuge for the rest of their lives.

People stand in the marsh as a storm appoaches, while waiting for the wild ponies in their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague, July 24, 2013.

Visitors from around the world come to watch the annual crossing, a tradition made famous by Marguerite Henry's 1947 novel, "Misty of Chincoteague."

Wild ponies are herded into the Assateague Channel during a rain storm for their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague, July 24, 2013.

People stand in the marsh as a storm approaches, while waiting for the wild ponies, July 24, 2013.

Wild ponies are herded toward the fairgrounds after they swam across the Assateague Channel, July 24, 2013.

People stand in the marsh as a storm appoaches, while waiting for the wild ponies in their annual swim, July 24, 2013.

Young girls sit on dock to watch the wild ponies during their annual swim, July 24, 2013.

People watch as wild ponies are herded toward the fairgrounds, July 24, 2013.

Women cross the marsh to get a better view of the wild ponies, July 24, 2013.

Wild ponies are herded toward the fairgrounds after they swam across the Assateague Channel, July 24, 2013.

People cross the marsh in the pouring rain after watching wild ponies during their annual swim, July 24, 2013.

People wait to see the wild ponies swim accross the Assateague Channel during their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague, July 24, 2013.

Wild ponies are herded into the Assateague Channel during a rain storm for their annual swim, July 24, 2013.

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