March 2, 1998

The Kerry Bog Pony, an old Mountain and Mooreland breed (aka the “hobby”) originating in the south-west of Ireland, received its official “passport” from Weatherbys on this day in 1998. This breed of pony was traditionally used for light work on small farms. Its presence in Ireland began to wane during the famine, and then further during the Napoleonic Wars, when British soldiers conscripted them for use as pack ponies. By the 20th Century, the breed had all but vanished. These passports contain height, breeding details, and blood type. This information helped confirm unique genetic breed markers, which at once justified preservation and eventually helped in re-establishing the breed. They have since been recognized by Ireland as its National Heritage Pony.