RECOGNISED throughout the EU as Ireland’s third national equine breed, the ancient breed of the Kerry Bog Ponies will take part at Kilmacanogue Horse Show on Saturday, July 30th.

Three generations of Kerry Bog Ponies - class 1 mares Tramena Colleen (granddam), Tramena Susan (dam) and Tramena Margaret (filly) - pictured at their home in the Sugarloaf Mountains, Co Wicklow - will be at the show and where there are two qualifying places available at the National Final in Glenbeigh, Kerry, up for grabs for class 1 mares.

Living in Ireland since ancient times - even as far back as the Viking era - DNA testing found in 2005 that these intelligent, sure-footed and hardy ponies were a distinct breed in themselves.

Brilliant with children, the Kerry Bog Ponies are small (102-117cms) and sturdy. Usually brown in colour with big kind eyes, these ponies have lovely dish-faced heads and thick long manes.

Those with a Kerry Bog Pony who would like to compete at Kilmacanogue in the variety of ridden and other showing classes on offer, can check out more details on www.kilmacanoguehorseshow.com