THE Kerry Bog Pony Society held the first of their 2025 Breed Inspections on May 17th at the picturesque and sun-drenched surroundings of the Red Fox Inn in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry. A total of 19 ponies were presented for inspection on the day - seven colts and 12 fillies.

The Society expressed their thanks to all owners who entered their ponies for inspection and assessment against the breed standard and was delighted to confirm that five new young stallions achieved Class 1 status with eight fillies also achieving Class 1. One colt and four fillies achieved Class 2.

The Society also thanked John and Olive Mulvihill and their family for allowing the use of the Red Fox Inn and for their great hospitality and hard work in getting everything ready for the inspections. The Society also thanked the veterinary surgeon in attendance, Norina O’Callaghan, the inspectors Sharon Fitton and Carole Adams and all those who assisted in the smooth running of such a successful inspection day for the Kerry Bog Pony Studbook.

Assistance with funding the Inspections was provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under its Equine Technical Support Scheme 2025, without whose support the Inspections would not be possible.

According to the Kerry Bog Pony Breed Standard, the height for stallions and geldings is 102 to 117cm (10 to 11.2hh) and for mares102 to 112cm (10 to 11hh). The only difference between Class 1 status and Class 2 is that a Class 2 pony measured over or under the breed height range for that colt or filly. With regard to type, the neck is strong and medium length. The shoulder is rounded and muscular. The body is strong and compact. Forelegs are strong and muscular with a strong forearm. Hind legs are muscular and powerful. The cannon bone is short with flat hard bone of good size. Pasterns are short and the hooves upright and wide open and well-formed of hard horn requiring very little trimming.

Anyone interested in learning more about this breed can visit kerrybogpony.ie.