Kilmacanogue Horse Show
The 43rd Kilmacanogue Horse Show is drawing near and will take place on Saturday (30th) July at Monastery Cross, Enniskerry by kind permission of the Fenelon Burke family. There are many attractions at the Show this year including horse and pony showing classes, miniature horses and ponies, donkey classes and carriage driving.
Also featured are Side Saddle classes and of course the very popular Children’s Pony Classes. This year in addition many breeds of Ponies, they are also holding a qualifier Class for the All-Ireland Kerry Bog Mare Championship which will be held at the Kerry Bog National Show in Glenbeigh, Co Kerry with a prize fund of €1,500 on offer in their category in that particular show.
Living in Ireland since ancient times, some believe the Kerry Bog Pony came with the Vikings. In 2005 DNA testing found these intelligent, sure-footed and hardy ponies were a distinct breed – now they are recognised throughout the EU as Ireland’s third national equine breed.
Kilmacanogue Horse Show in Co Wicklow might be a long way from Kerry but it just shows how popular these kind, sensible ponies have become throughout Ireland – especially with children. They are Small (ranging 102 – 117cms) and sturdy, the Kerry Bog Pony is usually brown in colour and has a lovey dish-faced head with big kind eyes. They never have a ‘bad hair day’ – their thick, long manes form a natural umbrella against the rain. If you have a Kerry Bog Pony, please come to the Kilmacanogue Horse Show (July 30) and compete in ridden classes and lots more including Obedient Pony and Style and Appearance etc.
Aside from all that, there is the usual Showing Classes for sheep and Ireland’s other national breeds (Connemara, Irish Draught) as well as a Scarecrow Competition, Fancy Dress and photography/art competitions and of course not forgetting, the ever popular Dog Show. Full details of all the classes at the show are available on the Shows website kilmacanoguehorseshow.Com. Please come along and enjoy a great days entertainment and help the societies chosen Charites raise some much needed funds.