Intro
The Kerry Bog Pony is a small animal that is quite similar in stature to the Shetland pony. They were affectionately nicknamed Hobbies by the Irish locals.
Origins
This is a distinct, ancient type of small native pony, found useful by the Celtic people who settled in the area. It is thought they originally came from the Iberian Peninsula and likely have ties to Asturcon Ponies, brought through trade with Spain and Portugal. They may also share foundations with the now extinct Irish Hobby Horse
Irish horses have been indispensable for many reasons and were used for everything from pack animals to cavalry mounts. Unfortunately the latter reduced the numbers of Irish horses on more than one occasion.
Luckily there have always been pockets of Kerry Bog Ponies and families in the mountains and valleys of Kerry have centuries-long traditions of keeping them. Their size and strength made them as useful for transporting peat moss from bogs as they were for farm duties. Sadly, the onset of mechanization led these little animals almost to extinction and in 1994 their numbers dropped to 20.
Lucky for them, a local man by the name of John Mulvihill worked tirelessly to save the breed from extinction. He scoured Ireland to find suitable animals and had them genetically tested to ensure they possessed the unique breed markings. Once he found enough he established a breeding program which has been successful so far. Kerry Bog Pony numbers have grown and their popularity has grown worldwide – today there is a small herd and a breed society in the US as well.
Today the breed is listed as endangered in the DAD-IS and as of 2016 there were between 800 and 900 of them left.
Features
Average height 10 – 11.2 hands
Physique
Head is plain with a slightly concave profile
Neck is medium in length and strong
Chest is deep
Body is strong and compact
Legs are strong and muscular
Hooves are well formed and hard
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Sensible and confident
Kind and well mannered
Use
Pack animal
Cart pony
Show pony
Driving
Riding
Helpful Links
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The Kerry Bog Pony Co-Operative Society Ireland
American Kerry Bog Pony Society
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