The Irish Draught Horse – 10 Incredible Facts!

10 Things to know about the incredible Irish Draught Horse (or “Draft”) as we pronounce it!

#1 The Irish Draught Horse is the official Horse of Ireland. They first came about in the late 1700s. The origins of the Irish Draught breed are thought to be linked to the now extinct Irish Hobbie breeds developed from the small horses brought to Ireland by the ancient Celts around 500 BC.

These horses were combined with larger Norman horses and later with Connemara ponies, Spanish breeds,  Thoroughbreds, and possibly Clydesdales as they became more widely available in the country.

 

#2 The Irish Draught was primarily used as a farm horse, working in the fields and pulling wagons. But they also made a fine athletic mount for riding and foxhunting.

#3 The Irish Draught was officially recognized as a breed in Ireland in 1901. During WWI, the breed was a popular choice for helping in the war effort!

#4 When Irish Draughts are crossed with Thoroughbreds, the results are fine horses known as the Irish Hunter or Irish Sport Horse, created for fox hunting, dressage, or as a hunter/jumpers!  

 

The Stats:

#5 Height: Stallions are approximately 15.3-16.3 hands and the mares 15.1-16.1 hands.

 

#6   Colors:

#7 Confirmation

Their body is well muscled. They have strong hindquarters, and their chest is muscular and lean. They have a broad forehead and long ears. Their head is described as “smooth and pleasant.”

#8 Temperament

Considered a warmblood breed, they are sound, sensible, and intelligent. They make great mounts from novice to experienced!

#9 Status:Threatened

 The Irish Draught is considered an “endangered maintained” breed by the Food and Agriculture Committee of the United Nations.

In 2009, the breed was upgraded to the “Watch” category on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy’s Rare Breed Conservation Priority List. The Irish Draught Horse Society of Ireland, with support from the Royal Dublin Society and technical assistance from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, have spearheaded research into a breeding plan to improve genetic diversity, and to maintain the traditional breed traits that are the defining characteristics of the Irish Draught breed.

#10 

Where Can You Get An Irish Draught Horse?

Irish Draught Horse Society of North America (IDHSNA):

• The IDHSNA website maintains a list of breeders and horses for sale. 
• You can find purebred and sport horse listings. 
• The website also has information about purebred stallions.