Chincoteague Pony Centre

We didn't spend a lot of time at the pony center; we just came here so the kids could ride a pony.

The kids rode a pony. It was the first time my son (age 5) has been willing to try a pony ride, and he's very proud of his "I rode a pony" ribbon.

He also liked petting the ponies that were not being ridden. The workers (teens) who were handling the ponies were personable and attentive to the riders. When we return to Chincoteague, I'm sure we will also return to the pony center.

This is the place to come if you want to ride the ponies. Inside you'll find a store where you can buy all sort of toys and trinkets. They do have some upper end thing inside if you are looking for nicer gifts. They also do pony shows, give pony rides, and give riding lessons I think. We took my 2 year old daughter here so she could ride a pony. It cost $6 for 4 loops around a small track. Oh well, what can you do? They do give each kid a ribbon when they are done.

I'm not sure if there are any other places that give rides, but if you want the shows, then this is the place. We didn't get to see the show, but its something to do.

Returned again this summer for a 30 minute ($40) riding lesson for our now 9 year old.
She had a blast and rode "Miss Penny" (and patted her old pall Teaguer whom she rode last summer). I was one proud mama when I saw how well she rode and how much she progressed since last summer. (She also rides locally for out 4-H).

So pleased with this place! Kind patient young gals as instructors and sweet ponies who are loved and well cared for.

Great place to learn more about the ponies. The Centre owners are very knowledgable and passionate. All the horses look very very very well cared for and the kids who ride/ teach lessons know what they're doing.

I recommend taking a night to watch the pony show. (Although it does get old after the first 7 times you've seen it ). They do a great job show casing the versatility and trainability of the wild ponies while keeping it entertaining for all ages. They have a few of misty's descendants featured in the show as well.

For small children they offer pony rides, and the older kids (and adults ) they offer riding lessons. Great, safe, environment to try horseback riding for the first time or 50th.

We loved the pony show - my 8 year old twin daughters were transfixed by the riders and ponies, with glitter in their hair. Also got a pony ride out front and just a great atmosphere. Highly recommend!!!

Five stars for the show and the foals out front. The gift shop has many horse/pony items. Kids have ridden here in the past, but they are to old for it now. Really enjoyed the show and the volunteers worked hard.

If you'll pardon the pun, attractions in Chincoteague can come across as one trick ponies: Misty this, Misty that, and Misty until your heart says, "I don't care how heart-warming the bloody novel is, you are making my ears bleed through sheer repetition!" (This ignores the fabulous beach and wildlife sanctuary, of course, but you get my point. Chincoteague has found its Paul Bunyan, and no one will EVER TAKE THAT AWAY!)

The Pony Center trades on the name of Misty more than most but that can be excused because...well, the place is all about the ponies, one trick or otherwise. During the day there are $6 pony rides (three circuits of a small pen) and the gift shop, chock full of horse and beach related schlock.

In the evening, though, the center puts on a pony demonstration, and this is well worth the time and money. Drill team riders put the ponies through their paces in a very interesting and lively show, which includes some audience participation. Our kids (ages 4 to 9) loved it and cheered along with the audience.

The staff at the center clearly love their jobs, and have a knack of communicating that to the audience...at the demonstrations, at least. So drop by during the day if you want an expensive pony ride or to buy knicks-knacks, but my advice would be to see the demonstration. You can always shop afterwards.

The show gets 5 stars. The riders are local volunteers who work hard and the Allens are clearly vested with these kids. You get very excited to hear these horses' stories and to see the Misty descendents. A nice home feel to the show.

The center is OK. You get to pet ponies all you want and the pony rides are, like said, 4 laps. That is great. The big thing is the gift shop. A nice shop. The museum is eh. Lots of Misty stuff. There's a documentary that is good but badly needs updating. It's got to be about 25 years old.

Pros: Museum & show ring is in the pony barn, which means plenty of opportunities to interact with domesticated ponies.

Cons: Tickets for the pony show should include entry to the museum. Over-priced museum entrance fee given the limited items on display. Pony show caters to children so adults come prepared to keep yourself entertained.

Wonderfully patient with a first-time rider, my son was thrilled.