History and Origin of the Breed
The Irish Draught's history lies as much in battle as it does in
agriculture. Written in 1 BC, the "Cuchulain Saga" describes mighty chariot
horses of Irish Draught type. In the twelfth century came the arrival, in Ireland, of the
Anglo-Normans with their strong war horses. Later, in the sixteenth century, trade between
southern Ireland and Spain brought a strong mix of Spanish blood to the native horses. The
Irish Draught has been exported in huge numbers into the armies of Europe since the Middle
Ages. As recently as the first World War the Irish Draught served on the front lines in
the thousands.
The hundred years from 1850 to 1950 probably did the most to shape the Irish Draught as
we know it today. Agriculture in Ireland was mixed, with less demand for the heavy draft
breeds popular in the rest of Europe. Instead, the Irish farmer needed a horse that could
work the land but would also pull the dog cart to church at a smart trot and take the
farmer fox hunting. The hunting farmer wanted a horse that would go all day and jump
anything he faced.
Over a century of selection produced a very sound, sensible animal with good bone and
substance, great stamina and an uncanny jumping ability. It is these qualities that, when
crossed with the Thoroughbred, produced the world renowned Irish Hunter. This cross is now
known as the Irish Sport Horse, and representatives are winning gold medals and grand prix
all over the world.
Unfortunately, this success as a foundation breed nearly led to the Irish
Draughts downfall. The decrease in farm mechanization and the worldwide
demand for hunters and sport horses brought the breed to the brink of extinction. It was
more profitable for the Irish farmer to supplement his living by breeding his good draught
mare to a thoroughbred than to breed her to a purebred stallion. Even with the concerted
efforts of the Irish Draught Horse Society, founded in 1976, the breed is considered
endangered with barely 2,000 purebreds worldwide.
Breed Characteristics
The Irish Draught Horse is an active short-legged powerful
horse with substance and quality. It is neither as massive nor as heavily feathered as its
name implies. It is proud of bearing, deep of girth and strong of back and quarters.
Standing over a lot of ground it has exceptionally strong and sound constitution. It has
an intelligent and gentle nature and is noted for its docility and sense.
The Irish Draught's movement is smooth and free but without exaggeration and not heavy
or ponderous. They may be of any strong whole color, including grey. White legs, above the
knees or hocks are not desirable. Their bones should be good and strong. Stallions average
size is approximately 15.3 hands to 16.3 hands. Mares average size is 15.1 approximately
hands to 16.1 hands.
Significant Irish
Draught Horses
King of Diamonds
While every family of Irish Draughts has produced noteworthy
show jumpers and eventers, maybe none has done this more consistently than King of
Diamonds. This chestnut stallion was by Errigal out of Ruby. He ranked seventh as a sire
of show jumpers in world rankings from 1990 to 1995. The international show jumpers
Special Envoy, Mill Pearl and Millstreet Ruby are by King of Diamonds. Even though King of
Diamonds has sadly passed away, he has left behind a number of sons who are consistently
producing world class jumpers. His influence will be felt for many years to come.
Clover Hill
 This bay stallion by Golden Beaker was ranked sixteenth as a sire of show
jumpers in world rankings from 1990 to 1995. Some of his world class progeny include
Cagney, Skyview, and Flo Jo (shown left). He continues to produce
jumpers today and will no doubt have an influence on sport horse breeding for many more
years.
Breed Organization
The Irish Draught Horse Society of North America is the sole
organization in North America approved by the parent Society to register Irish Draughts
and Irish Draught Sport Horses.
For More Information,
Contact:
Irish Draught Horse Society
Information Office
Harkaway Farm
5480 Major Lane
Platteville, WI 53818
Telephone/Fax: (608) 348 2519
Email: IDHSNA@aol.com
Web Site: http://www.wave-net.net/idhsna
Information supplied by the Irish
Draught Horse Society of North America
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