THE Kerry Bog Pony Co-operative Society Limited held the first of their 2024 Breed Inspections, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) at the picturesque surroundings of the Red Fox Inn in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, by kind permission of John Mulvihill and family.

A total of 16 ponies were presented for inspection. Three of the mares presented had foals at foot, which was encouraging for the future of the breed. Six new young stallions achieved Class 1 status. These are: Ardmanagh Grey and Ardmanagh Elvis, both owned by Timothy Martin; Glanna Hill Bud, Glanna Hill Boy, Glanna Hill Duke and Tooracurragh Prince, all owned by Seamus Newman. The Inspectors, Sharon Fitton and David Lynch, commented that the quality and standard of the ponies this year was very high. The society also ran a Stallion parade, but due to the rain, only one stallion was paraded, he was the striking chesnut Class 1 stallion Ballyantry Chieftain owned by Michael O’Mahony. The society would like to thank all the owners and handlers who presented ponies for inspection and the Mulvihill family, veterinary surgeon Dáire Clifford, the Inspectors, office assistants Anna McCarthy, Gay Keogh and Catherine Cotter and Rynes Walker. The society also wishes to express how grateful it is to have the continued support of DAFM and Horse Sport Ireland. The next inspection date is August 31st in Athlone, Co Westmeath.