55 Foals Auctioned

Ten of the fifty-five foals auctioned today were "buy back" foals at the 88th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction in Virginia.  One purchaser was 100, and another, 80, years old.  An unofficial accounting says the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company added almost $114,000 to their funds from today's auction.  Prices ranged from $650 to $12,000 this year.  The $12,000 pony was a black and white pinto filly, who was a "buy back."  "Buy back" foals are ones that a person can buy, but they leave it in the care of the CVFC for it's life, and any progeny are owned by the CVFC.  One pays what one bids for the pony, names it, gets a photograph taken with the foal, and a certificate of ownership; then it goes back to live out it's life as a wild pony on Assateague Island.  The two girls who were helped by the Feather Foundation this year were able to purchase the 50th and 53rd foals offered.