In parts of the United States, herds of wild ponies still roam free. The most famous wild ponies live on Assateague Island, off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. The animals on the Virginia side of the islandthe Chincoteague poniesare owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. Every year, the fire department sells some of the ponies to raise money that will help care for the rest of the herd. Thousands of people attend the auction, and a few walk away proud owners of new pet ponies. Owning a Chincoteague pony isnt for everyone. Find out what it takes to own a wild Chincoteague pony, and you can decide if the payoffyears of faithful companionshipwill be worth your while.