New Corral Ready for 2016 Chincoteague Pony Penning

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) — A new corral awaits the Chincoteague ponies for their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island.

Kevin Sloan, refuge manager of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, tells The Daily Times of Salisbury  that the old corral was in disrepair and located on a creek bank.

And a recent infestation of southern pine beetles on Assateague meant trees had to be cut down because of the damage. So, the corral could be built without cutting down living trees.

This year's pony swim is set for Saturday.