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The Kerry Bog Pony

Height
11 to 12hh for stallions and geldings, 10 to 11hh for mares.

Colour
Most popular is brown, black or bay. Occasionally chestnut, grey and shades of dun.

Build
The body should be strong and compact, with well sprung ribs and good depth through the chest. Shoulders should be well sloped, and muscular. The loins and hind quarters should be well formed and strong. Legs are strong and muscular, and should be short in the cannon, with ample flat hard bone. The neck should be of medium length, the head of average size with good depth through the jaw and dished face. Ears and eyes small, and nostrils fairly large.

Movement
Straight, level and well balanced.

History
The Kerry Bog pony is native to the mountains and valleys of Kerry, Ireland. These ponies were originally used in the 17th century for working on the peatlands, transporting the peat from bog to roadside. Known as the ‘work maids of all farmers", they were used in family small holdings for general farm duties and to transport the family to Sunday mass.

Many of the ponies from Ireland were used as pack or cavalry horses during the Peninsular Wars; then once again a century later during the First World War, this greatly reduced the numbers of Kerry Bog Ponies. The onset of mechanisation further reduced their numbers almost to extinction.

The Kerry Bog pony largely owes its survival to local Kerryman John Mulvihill, who worked tirelessly, searching the area for ponies who showed the specific qualities of this rare breed.
With his stallion he bred two foals. These two ponies were tested by Weatherbys DNA laboratory which confirmed the ponies possessed unique breed markings. Other ponies were also tested, and a foundation stock was established to create a breeding programme. The breed has now been recognised by the Irish Equine Centre as an Irish ‘Heritage Pony’. The subsequent breeding programme has resulted in approximately 200 registered bog ponies today with numbers increasing annually.

The Kerry Bog pony of today is known for his strength and stamina, which contradicts his diminutive size. Their sure footedness, and long dense coat, have been acquired from living on the soft terrain and harsh climate of the Kerry bogs. The excellent temperament of the pony allows it to be easily trained to harness or saddle, and also make good as a childs riding pony.
Their popularity is increasing on a worldwide scale, in 2004 the American Kerry Bog Pony was established.

Did you know?
Kerry Bog Ponies were originally known by the locals as ‘Hobbies’.

The modern name ‘Kerry Bog Pony’, refers to the qualities of the pony for their living and working environment.

Breed Societies
Irish Kerry Bog Pony Society
http://www.irishkerrybogponysociety.com/

Kerry Bog Pony cooperative Society
http://www.kerrybogpony.ie

American Kerry Bog Pony Society
http://www.kerrybogpony.org

Time Line
1994 – Number of Kerry Bog ponies declined to just 20.
2003 - A breeding herd of Kerry Bog Ponies Imported to the United States.
2004 – American Kerry Bog Pony Society Formed.
2005 – Set of Breed Standards confirmed at the very first KBP Co-Op AGM.

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