...competes with athleticism and soundness in the Dressage arena...
...possess the hardiness and the courage to event...
...portrays the bold outlook and panache to go in harness...
...yet has the quiet people-oriented temperament that make it an ideal family horse..
From the earliest times, horses have always been a part of Irish life. Over the years the small active native horse was crossed with Norman war horses, Great Horses from England, and also Spanish Andalusian stallions brought in by way of trade. There were many schemes throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to increase the size and quality of the Irish Draught Horse in which the thoroughbred horse played a significant role. From these beginnings the Irish Draught Horse of today evolved.
The first authentic reference to the Irish Draught dates from the close of the eighteenth century. At that time a great increase in the area of land under tillage took place and this created a demand for bigger, stronger and more docile horses than was devoted to grass land and the rearing of cattle and sheep.
The Irish farmer bred for himself a lighter, more adaptable animal than the heavy breeds available in England. He needed a horse he could work, drive and ride.
HISTORY
According to the old rhyme the Irish Draught Horse could “plough, sow, reap and mow, go to church and hunt”. Draught Horse were bred to be strong and gentle, have a good trot, and be able to gallop and jump.
Consequently today’s Irish Draught is not simply a working horse, it is a riding and sporting horse as well.
VERSATILITY
One of the real strengths of the Irish Draught Horse is its versatility. Because of its wonderful temperament it learns quickly and is very easy to work with. Its strength, intelligence and lightness of step means that it can perform in many varied disciplines including show jumping, eventing, dressage, driving, le trek and endurance riding. Above all, its reliability makes it an extremely safe and sound horse for the amateur and leisure rider. Today the Irish Draught Horse is to be found competing in every aspect of equestrian sport. It is also being used as a Police Horse in many countries.
BACKGROUND
IRISH SPORTHORSES
the Irish Draught cross has achieved remarkable results with such few numbers.
Do you find yourself having to get up extra early on the day of an event and lunge, lunge, lunge just to break through to some level of sanity? Amateur riders are finding that they have less time than ever before for their sport. Consequently, they are seeking horses that are "ride ready" and don't have to cut through the layers of "excitability". The Irish Sport Horse is an alternative solution to "keep the athleticism and lose the heat".
The unique and desirable qualities possessed by the Irish Draught Horse make them the ideal foundation for Sport Horse breeding. First in the world for eventing, fifth in the world for show jumping,
