The “star” of our farm is a 4 year old Irish Kerry Bog Pony, named Mid-Somer Magic. This breed of pony is an old Irish work pony that was used by the poor peasants of Ireland to carry the dried peat bricks from the bogs in baskets or sledges back to the farm to be used as firewood, seaweed from the beaches for fertilizer and the family in a cart to church.

While on a trip to Ireland in 2004, we discovered that the Kerry Bog Pony had nearly become extinct and that there was now an effort to bring these ponies back. Only 20 were left in the mid 1990’s. The numbers now are around 300 in Ireland and about 30 in the US. Magic is the 10th pony registered in the US and the only Kerry Bog Pony west of the Mississippi.

We bought Magic as a 5 month old. In the summer of 2008 she was bred to Dempsey Bog, Ireland’s most famous Kerry Bog stallion, and she had her foal on June 16th, 2009. His name is Dempsey’s Bog Merlin. He is a gorgeous chestnut pony with a white star.

Dempsey’s Bog Merlin and Mid-Somer Magic	Dempsey’s Bog Merlin leaping  with delight
Merlin and Magic	Merlin at 7 months

  The Kerry Bog Ponies are sweet natured horses, willing to work and learn and very confident in their manner. They are 10 to 12 hands and come in all colors. Merlin will mostly be a pony for children to ride, but he can be ridden by small adults, and cart pulling is also part of his heritage. He is available for sale now.

Paso Fino Horses:

Coming to horses and riding at an advanced age (50 for me), we needed a horse that was a comfortable ride.  The Paso Fino is a gaited horse with no bounce.  Paso Fino literally means “fine step”.  We can ride comfortably for hours and not feel sore.