Resumption of Kerry Bog Pony inspections widely welcomed

After a two-year break, the Kerry Bog Pony inspections returned recently at two locations. The two events saw an influx of new owners and an overall improvement in standards of presentation.

The first of the inspections took place at the Red Fox Inn, Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, on 26 June.

Eight ponies came forward for inspection on this occasion. The attending veterinary surgeon on the day was Daire Clifford from Kilorglin while the inspectors were Carmel Santry and David Lynch. Of the eight presented, five received Class 1, one received Class 2, being over height, while one received a Class 3 or failed to meet the requirements.

The judges unanimously declared a two-year-old colt, Lyre Bog Beara Boy, the best prepared and handled pony on the day and described him as “a pleasure to inspect”.

It was good to see a new stallion coming in as the loss of stallions is an ongoing concern.

The second inspection took place near Athlone in Willie and Maura Naughton’s yard in Ballydangan, Co Roscommon.

It was encouraging to note the number of new owners joining the long-term owners to bring their Kerry Bog Ponies out to be inspected. Owners came from five different counties with ponies who were bred in nine different counties – one even came from England, indicating the wide distribution of the Kerry Bog Pony today despite their small numbers.

The vet on duty was James Linnane, from Mount Bellew, and the inspectors were Pascal Crawford and Mary Moore.

A total of 18 ponies attended, making it a busy day for all concerned.

Of the 18 attendees, nine achieved Class 1, eight were awarded Class 2 being over or under the height requirement and one pony failed and was marked Class 3. The inspectors noted that: “Since the studbook was first established in 2005, the Kerry Bog Pony type has become more distinctive and individual with less Welsh and Shetland characteristics. Handling could be improved as many of the ponies that passed with middling marks would have been higher had they shown better.”