Horse Breeds: Irish Draught Horse

There are two breeds truly native to Ireland, and the Irish Draught Horse is one of them. Because this breed has been around for so long, it's really not clear where the Irish Draught Horse originally came from. One theory is that Thoroughbred stallions were put to Irish mares, and those mares were a curious mix of whatever horses swam ashore after shipwrecks and the stock brought over by Anglo-Norman invaders. It is likely that from these horses a strong workhorse was developed, though we'll probably never know for sure. This workhorse would eventually become the Irish Draught Horse.

Originally, the Irish Draught Horse was probably a farm horse used for just about any farm job that needed a horse. They pulled ploughs, served as mounts, and carried loads wherever necessary. Today it is more common to see crossbreeds such as the Irish Draught Sport Horse (the Irish Draught Horse crossed with a Thoroughbred), the Irish Hunter, and other mixes competing and winning in show jumping and eventing competitions around the world.

Standing from 15.1 to 16.3 hands high, the Irish Draught Horse is a powerful breed that is strong and bold. Its movements are commanding and sure, its jump nearly perfect, and its nature kind and intelligent. These traits combine to produce a horse that is easy to train and excels in many areas. Just about any color is acceptable in this noble breed.

Though this horse is found throughout the world, many horsemen can go their entire lives without actually seeing an Irish Draught Horse (though they are likely to see the Sport or Hunter varieties at competitions). Today the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America is one of several associations trying to preserve and protect this rare breed.