Irish Draft
Image from Nevarfeather
Intro
Originally built for work in Ireland, the Irish Draft / Draught or Irish Sport Horse bloodline was almost lost, however a revival movement managed to keep the breed alive. These horses are built in large part by the difficult climate, making them big and hearty.
Origins
Derived from the horses of France and Flanders imported after the Anglo-Norman invasion in AD 1172. The Irish Draft breed was then improved with eastern and Andalusian blood.
Later refined with Thoroughbred blood which added spirit and stamna to the already hardy bloodlines.
In the Irish famine of 1847 the bloodline was sorely depleated and later efforts to revive the breed introduced Clydesdale and Shire crosses. The introduction of draft blood had a dampening effect on the Irish Draft blood.
By 1904 stallion subsidies had been dedicated to renewing the breed and in 1917 A Book for Horses of the Irish Draught Type was introduced which plugged along during WWII just keeping the bloodlines alive.
In 1976 the Irish Draught Society was formed and shortly after in 1979 the Irish Draught Horse Society was formed later becoming a progressive leader in the horse world.
Features
Average height 16-17 hands
Strong jumper
Agreeable temperament
Thrive on smaller rations
Healthy, robust animals
Physique
Straight face
Long, arched neck
Deeo chest, long back
Large legs with minimal feather
Big, round feet
Strong bones
Powerful hind legs muscled thighs and solid hock joints
Traditional Colors:
Black
Gray
Chestnut
Bay
Temperament
Intelligent
Obedient
Even-tempered
Spirited
Pros:
Solid animal bred for temperament as well as athletic ability
Cons:
Closely monitored bloodlines always indicate a more expensive mount
Use
Riding horses
Show horses
Competition horses
Helpful Links
*All links open in a new window
Irish Draught
Irish Draught Horse Society
Where to Buy
Equinenow.com
Horsetopia
Irish Sporthorse Sales
Free Ads
Irish Draft Studs
Stud Directory
Horseweb.com
Lefty’s Stable
Stallions Directory
Irish Draft Art
Irish Draft Books and Reading
Irish Draught Horse Book
The Irish Horse
