The Kerry Bog Pony is a small sturdy Native Breed standing approximately 102-117 cms for stallions and 102-112 cms for mares. The Kerry Bog Pony has a fine, intelligent head with large kind eyes. It has a strong and well set on neck, with a rounded shoulder and compact body.

The Kerry Bog Pony is extremely hardy, resistant to many equine diseases, with great powers of endurance. It has ample bone and can carry heavy burdens in relation to its build. Traditionally it would have been used as a pack animal carrying heavy loads.

This rare breed is an ideal family pony, full of character and fun. Generations of use on small farms has produced a pony of calm temperament, willing and able to perform in a wide range of disciplines.

“Little is known of the origins of the Kerry Bog Pony. The original ponies identified by John Mulvihill were located in South Kerry. See attached map * Based on their genetics it has been suggested that the ponies could have been imported by the Vikings who had an encampment at Beginish near Valentia Island from the 10th to the 12th century. In 1580 there is a mention of “horses” and “garrons” – which were small horses or ponies during a raid by the Earl of Ormonde. During the 17th and 18th centuries there are references to small ponies being used to carry goods in mountainous areas where roads were non- existent. By the 18th and 19th century illustrations clearly show small ponies similar to today’s Kerry Bog Ponies. The ponies do not ever seem to have existed in large numbers but their population declined at the end of 20th century in common with many other breeds. By 1990 there were only 26 known mares and 6 stallions. Today there are around 450 ponies with approximately 50 foals being registered each year.” (Irish Native Rare Breed Society)

More information:

https://www.kerrybogvillage.ie/the-kerry-bog-village/bog-ponies/

https://www.horsesportireland.ie/breeding/kerry-bog-pony-studbook/