They are wild, however, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company (CVFC) has taken ownership of roundups, veterinary bills if needed, and running the Pony Penning Week, Auction, and sales of the ponies.
As many of the people are volunteers, it falls to the town. :)
There are wild horses in North Carolina also and of course, out west. It could have been here too. It is amazing to know there are many wild ponies (even if they are all horses!) running free!