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 stamina to the already hardy bloodlines.
In the Irish famine of 1847 the bloodline was sorely depleted 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
Deep chest, long back
Large legs with minimal feather
Big, round feet
Strong bones
Powerful hind legs muscled thighs and solid hock joints
Traditional Colors:
Temperament
Intelligent
Obedient
Even-tempered
Spirited
Use
Riding horses
Show horses
Competition horses
Helpful Links
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Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association (IE)
Irish Draught Horse Society (GB)
Irish Draught Horse Society of North America
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