Kerry Bog : guide complet de la race
The Kerry Bog Pony is a mountain and moorland breed of pony that originated in Ireland. Possibly descended from the Irish Hobby horse, it originally lived a mainly feral existence in the peat bogs of what is now County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. Local inhabitants used the ponies as pack and cart horses for transporting peat and kelp to the villages.
Fiche recapitulative
| Caracteristique | Details |
|---|---|
| Nom | Kerry Bog |
| Pays d’origine | Kerry, Irlande |
| Taille au garrot | 100-120 cm |
| Poids | 150-200 kg |
| Robes | Toutes |
| Esperance de vie | 25-30 ans |
| Caractere | Doux, docile, intelligent, courageux, sur-pied |
Histoire et origines
The original ancestry of the Kerry Bog Pony is unknown, but there were horses living a feral existence in peat bogs in what is now County Kerry in southwestern Ireland since at least the 1600s. Some enthusiasts claim that the breed is a descendant of the ancient Irish Hobby. In a 1617 book illustration, the horses pictured resemble both the Kerry Bog Pony of today and the original Irish Hobby, showing the two breeds’ similar morphology.
Morphologie et caracteristiques physiques
Le Kerry Bog mesure entre 100-120 cm au garrot pour un poids de 150-200 kg. Les robes admises sont : toutes.
Kerry Bog Ponies generally stand 10 to 12 hands (40 to 48 inches, 102 to 122 cm) high. The Irish breed standard calls for mares to stand 10–11 hands and stallions and geldings to stand 11–12 hands. Their low weight-to-height ratio enables them to walk on wet ground. Their hind feet tend to track outside their front feet, allowing better progress on soft ground.
Caractere et temperament
Le Kerry Bog est decrit comme doux, docile, intelligent, courageux, sur-pied. Ces traits de caractere en font un poney apprecie pour de nombreuses activites equestres.
Aptitudes et disciplines
Le Kerry Bog excelle dans les disciplines suivantes : compagnie, initiation, attelage leger, randonnee courte.
Alimentation
Tres rustique. Adapte aux tourbieres. Foin et herbe suffisent.
Sante et entretien
Race rare (redecouvert en 1994). Environ 300 individus. Programme de conservation actif.
Comme pour tous les poneys, un suivi veterinaire regulier est essentiel : vaccinations, vermifugation, soins dentaires et parage des pieds.
Le Kerry Bog, pour qui ?
Petit poney irlandais rare pour enfants et comme animal de compagnie. Race a decouvrir et proteger.