Close-up view of a Chincoteague Pony

The Chincoteague Pony became its own official registered breed in 1994. The average height of a Chincoteague Pony is between 12 and 13 hands (any horse that stands less than 14 hands is considered a Pony). Chincoteague Ponies are stocky, with short legs, thick manes, and large, round bellies. Though they are named after Chincoteague (the closest populated town) they actually live on Assateague Island, which is an undeveloped National Wildlife Refuge.