Horse Breeds From Ireland

It’s the end of the week and time to visit another beautiful location and learn about the hardy horse breeds it’s given rise to. Looking at each breed in the context of their origins is an interesting ride, today a peek at the breeds from Ireland.

Made Ireland Tough

Most of the breeds from Ireland are smaller and tougher than your average horse. In large part due to the climactic conditions and physical geography of the country itself. Perhaps my favorite being the Kerry Bog Pony, tinier than the Shetland and once used to transport peat moss from bogs.

Colorful Roadster

Another breed which I’m pretty sure is considered Irish (could be Romanian?) is the colorful Vanner. Originally comes from the horses of the traveling Romany people…gypsies. The Irish carry on this tradition and have honed the breeding of these animals for color and temperament. Although not generally used to pull caravans these days, the horses are still a very large part of the Tinker lifestyle.

Irish Horse Breeds

Connemara Pony
Irish Draught
Irish Hobby
Irish Sport Horse
Kerry Bog Pony
Vanner

Horses of the World

There is a whole worlds worth of countries to visit, so be sure to keep yourself updated. Please let me know in the comments below if I’m missing any horses of the Ireland & check back next week for the breeds of Italy.