The Kerry Bog Pony Co-Operative Society Ireland

We are extremely lucky that Dr John Flynn of Weatherbys has taken a personal interest in the Kerry Bog Pony. John set up Weatherbys blood typing laboratory for foal registration. Today, he and his staff of thirteen have established a multi-species DNA-testing laboratory that is recognized as one of the leading institutions throughout the world. Aisling Heffernan, whom many of you have met at the inspections, works with Dr Flynn and is carrying out research towards a Master of Science Degree on the Kerry Bog Pony from University College, Dublin.

"The animal kingdom of the domestic equine species known as equus caballus, is comprised of many different breeds, or sub populations, which are dispersed throughout the world. ... Due to confinement within regions by geographical barriers and generations of interbreeding, a particular type of horse evolved, resulting in a new breed with characteristic features indigenous to that population."

"Scientific data from identified genetic markers can be compared through genomic analysis and mitochondrial DNA sequencing.The bigger number of animals included in the study the more reliable the results and the greater number of markers tested the more accurate a reflection it will be of the breed. Due to financial constraints it is unusual for a study to exceed 100 animals, though as little as twenty animals can suffice."

Since 1994 Weatherbys Laboratory has carried out Bloodtyping and DNA typing on one hundred and seventy ponies. "In addition gene frequency studies were carried out on 16 identified genetic markers in this population. Gene frequency calculations provide a powerful means of segregating and establishing equine breeds. The genetic frequency values in the Kerry Bog Pony provide adequate evidence to show that the population has significant difference in genetic frequency values to consider this pony to be a particular breed in its own right." The foundation has now been laid upon which a network of genetic information can build an indelible blueprint of the identity and origin of the Kerry Bog Pony.

Quotes are from articles written by Dr John Flynn, Weatherbys Bloodtyping Laboratory, Irish Equine Centre, Johnstown, Naas, Co Kildare.