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The Kerry Bog pony faced almost certain extinction in 1994
when there were a mere twenty of these ponies left in all of Ireland. The Bog
Pony is rather small, about the size of a Shetland pony - ten or eleven hands
high. They can be bay, grey, or chestnut with a black mane and tail.
Interestingly they exhibit the dished face of an Arabian. The breed was
blood-typed in 1994 to distinguish whether or not it the current ponies truly
were survivors of the rare breed, and when the test was positive the Kerry Bog
Pony Society was formed.
These little ponies have
been used mostly for carrying peat, or turf, from the bogs for the use of
domestic fuel in houses. Originally the peat was transported on slides attached
by two poles to either side of the horse, although later little wheeled carts
were incorporated for use in the less boggy areas. About ten years ago a Mr.
John Mulvihill acquired a little chestnut stallion and immediately recognized is
as one of the few remaining Kerry Bog Ponies. One of the foundation sires of the
Kerry Bog Pony breed is the grandson of that little pony - Flashy Fox, along
with Old Peat and Bogman. Most Kerry Bog Ponies are named after the bog's flora
and fauna...names such as The Badger Queen, Bog Cotton, the Brave Badger, Bog
Oak, and Purple Heather are just a few examples. This breed has kept its name
alive in the history books as Ireland's very own 'Heritage Pony'.
Originally these ponies were bred during the 17th century
for working on the peatlands to help move te cut turf to drying areas, and also
to carry seaweed from the seashore for use as crop fertilizer. Occasionally they
were even used to take the family to Sunday mass. They are often referred to as
the "work maids of all farmers" because they were ideally suited to the working
conditions because of their size, strength, and resilience.
The predicament the ponies were in, facing almost certain
extinction, generated much concern and sparked a lot of interest amongst
breeders who were anxious lest they become extinct like so many other rare Irish
breeds. John Mulvihill has a long family association with the breed, so it was
he who pioneered the action to save the Kerry Bog Pony breed from extinction.
Eight years ago he bought a stallion that produced two foals before he died; now
he has twenty Kerry Bog Ponies, and he and his wife have set up a committee to
document and organize all the support for the saving of this breed. Directly
resulting from this, a network of Kerry Bog enthusiasts has been established and
now the breed is thriving; there are estimated to be 130 Kerry Bog Ponies in
Ireland today.
The breed has been given the official seal of approval by
the Irish Equine Center, which follows blood and DNA testing. The Kerry Bog Pony
has been registered in the Irish Rare Breeds Directory as the 'Heritage Pony'.
Much media coverage from around the world has gotten many horse enthusiasts
interested in the rediscovery of the breed, and Ireland's 'Heritage Pony' has
seemingly become a living legend!
These ponies can "live virtually on air" and are very easy
keepers. They could survive quite easily on the heather and sphagnum moss that
grew on the bogs, utilizing the land that remained off-limits to cattle and
sheep. Their owners didn't even bother tying them up, instead letting them graze
without moving too far away. Because so many families in Ireland eventually
owned a Bog pony, they came to be know as the "Hobby" horse. Despite all they
did for the community though, the ponies were considered completely worthless.
For example, if a family was evicted and their livestock taken away for
restitution, they were told to take their Hobby horse and go!
Sometime during the Peninsular Wars though, the cavalry
discovered the economic little ponies and went around buying them all to use for
pack animals. Very few returned, and around the same time a funny looking equine
called the donkey arrived from Spain, virtually replacing the Hobby horse as the
beast of burden.
Kerry Bog Ponies are rather fine for a native breed, and
most of them have long, flaxen manes and tails with just a little feathering on
their legs. They live outside all year and because of the soft turf on the bogs
their feet do not get worn down, although their hooves do need regular paring.
They often foal out in the fields, they are very intelligent and easy to train.
They also make wonderful children's riding ponies, because they are quiet and
careful with their young charges. They excel as driving ponies, too (naturally).
Check out these links for more info on
the Kerry Bog Pony breed!
Kerry Bog Pony Breed
The Legend of
the Kerry Bog Pony
Kerry Bog
Pony Information
Kerry Bog Pony Society
Of Ireland
Ireland Horses: The Kerry Bog Pony
More Kerry Bog Info
News: Rare Kerry Bog Ponies To Be Introduced To US
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