Wild ponies are herded into the Assateague Channel during a rain storm for their annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague on July 24, 2013, in Chincoteague, Va. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

More than 100 ponies braved thunder and lightning to make the annual swim across the Assateague Channel in Virginia this week, thrilling huge crowds who came from near and far to see the wild ponies.

The 88th Pony Swim was nearly derailed by the combination of a high tide, full moon, and thunderstorm, reported the Washington Post. The swim is only one part of a week-long celebration that is meant to manage the size of the herd of wild ponies that live on Assateague. Other events include a parade of the wild ponies, who are herded by Saltwater Cowboys, and a pony auction, says the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim Guide.

All the proceeds from the pony auction go towards the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, says NBC. The ponies that aren't sold will make the swim back to Assateague Island and roam free in the wild herd for another year.

The pony swim became famous with Marguerite Henry's 1947 novel Misty of Chincoteague, and since then has brought thousands of people to Chincoteague to witness the annual event.

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