The
Chincoteague Pony, also known as the
Assateague horse, is a
breed of
pony that developed and lives in a
feral condition on
Assateague Island in the United States states of
Virginia and
Maryland. The breed was made famous by the
Misty of Chincoteague series written by
Marguerite Henry starting in 1947. While
phenotypically horse-like, they are commonly called "ponies". This is due in part to their smaller stature, created by the poor habitat on Assateague Island. Variation is found in their physical characteristics due to blood from different breeds being introduced at various points in their history. They can be any
solid color, and are often found in
pinto patterns, which are a favorite with breed enthusiasts. Island Chincoteagues live on a diet of
salt marsh plants and brush. This poor-quality and often scarce food combined with uncontrolled inbreeding created a propensity for
conformation faults in the Chincoteague before outside blood was added beginning in the early 20th century.