Assateague Mare Dies Before Pony Swim

The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company says one of the island’s famous wild ponies has died.

Officials said the mare, known as Splash of Freckles, was found dead Monday morning following a pony roundup. All of the stallions, mares and foals had been gathered in the north corral when a veterinarian noticed that Splash of Freckles was missing.

The Saltwater Cowboys retraced their route to the corral and found the mare’s remains in a wooded area. Officials said there were no signs of a struggle. A cause of death has not been announced.

The discovery came just days before this week’s annual Pony Swim and Pony Auction, two of Chincoteague’s signature summer events.

However, the day also brought happier news.

According to a Monday afternoon Facebook post from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, foal No. 88 was born to Bella in the southern corral.

“We have a surprise,” the fire company wrote. “Foal #88 was born a few minutes ago in the southern corral to Bella.”

At the veterinarian’s recommendation, Bella and her foal were moved to the carnival grounds so the newborn could learn to nurse and walk in a safer environment.