The first U.S. herd of ponies arrived from Ireland in 2003. Six ponies, including two leading foundation stallions, settled in new pastures in Vermilion, Ohio. The following year the American Kerry Bog Pony Society and official Breed Registry was established for ponies imported or bred and foaled in North America.
“Registration is important for preservation and promotion of the Kerry Bog Pony,” says Mike Ashar, Treasurer of AKBPS. “By tracking of DNA and careful recording of breeding and ownership records, the bloodlines of the ponies will be preserved and imposters prevented. Registration is also necessary for showing in breed competition.”
Characteristics of Irish Kerry Bog Pony
The Irish Kerry Bog Pony is a hardy mountain and moorland pony breed indigenous to Ireland, where the pony was used for centuries to haul peat from the bogs and seaweed from the shore. When not in harness for draft work, they doubled as cart ponies.
Pushed aside by mechanization and depleted in numbers by war and famine, the ponies were nearly extinct by 1990. An Irishman of County Kerry, John Mulvihill, searched for remnants of the breed. Today their numbers approach 300.
These ponies are gentle, intelligent, and strong, ranging in size from 10 to 12 hands. In conformation they strongly resemble the old style Morgan horse. They are proving themselves worthy competitors in driving and show classes. They have a special affinity for children and people with disabilities.
A center for equine therapy for autistic children hopes to soon add a Kerry Bog Pony to its team of special equines. ‘Celtic breeds are known to be intuitive,” explains Brook Boleyn, director of White Bridle Humane Society of Irving, Texas. “A Kerry Bog Pony is perfect for our program.”
First Semen Shipment in 2008
In 2008 the breed took an historic canter forward with its first semen collection and shipment. Dempsey Bog, the breed’s leading stallion (named Pony for the New Millenium by Ireland Equestrian magazine) was collected in Ohio and shipped to Montana. TAF Kerry’s Midsomer Magic, Kerry Bog pony mare owned by Diane and Dick Ward, was successfully inseminated. Her foaling is eagerly awaited later this spring.
Collecting a stallion for the first time is tricky, especially an older stallion accustomed to pasture breeding. Dempsey met the challenge like the champion he is. “This is one smart pony,” exclaims Brooke Renaud, who trained him for collection. “He figured out the program quickly and was very cooperative.”
DNA of foundation ponies is on record at Weatherbys of Ireland. AKBPS has linked with the DNA lab of Texas A & M and leading equine genetics researcher Dr. Gus Cothran for DNA testing and recording of the ponies. The DNA profile of each AKBPS-registered pony is permanently on file in the AKBPS Registry.
For more information about the Irish Kerry Bog Pony:
American Kerry Bog Pony Society
Linda Ashar - Linda C. Ashar is a lawyer, educator, horse breeder, freelance writer, and artist. Her 25-year law practice in Avon, Ohio, focuses on ...
