Irish Draft Horse Breed

From: Horse Breeds • Draft Horse Breeds List

Irish Draft Horse
An attractive and strong horse who is athletic and bold with a kind and willing nature, combined with good overall conformation and way of going.

Originates
The breed originates in Ireland

Height
Height is from 15.2 to 17.2 HH.

Colour
Bay, grey, chestnut, black and brown.

Conformation

The head has an intelligent outlook and a big bold eye with generous sized nostrils and alert mobile ears.
The neck is muscular and has a gently crest along the topline.
The withers are of medium height.
The shoulders are sloping and powerful.
The back is short and strong and fairly broad.
The limbs are clean, strong and slender.
The hindquarters are well rounded and powerful.
The tail is well set on and both the mane and tail are fairly thick

History
This wonderfully versatile horse was originally used as a farm and carriage horse as well as for general riding and hunting purposes. The breed can vary from being a slight horse to a more stocky and substantial horse depending on its parentage, but all are free moving with a straight action that is capable of many disciplines.

The Irish horse has had Thoroughbred and Connemara influences, giving it great scope and athleticism as well as a kind nature and excellent all round conformation and action. The need now for competitive horses makes the Irish a serious prospect due to its immense scope and versatility especially in the jumping and dressage sports.

Uses
Irish draught horses are used as an all round riding horse especially good jumpers and eventers.

Famous Horses are King of Diamonds who sired both Special Envoy and Mill Pearl who were very successful show jumpers.

Irish Draught Horse Society Of North America
Has details of Stallions, breeders, membership and events connected with this beautiful horse.