Betty's Critters - & History Views

 Here are photos of the foals born on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island, Virginia.  The foals are owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, and are sold each year to fund the CVFC year-round, at the annual Pony Auction, taking place this year on Thursday, 28 July.  All ponies, and especially the foals, are checked by veterinarians prior to the sale.  Foals too young to be weaned are sold, but kept with their mothers until the October Fall Round-Up, at which time the foals will be released to their owners.  - Usually 10 foals are deemed as a "Buy Back" each year.  I believe that this year they will all be fillies, as there are a few younger stallions roaming about.  One of the older stallions has bred his ladies, but not produced any foals for several years.      The CVFC Pony Committee decides which foals will be designated as a "Buy Back," looking at the bloodlines currently on the island, as well as the age of the mares and sta