Irish Draft

           

Introduction:  The name Irish Draft may be misleading in that many people are surprised to find that the breed is a lighter free-moving animal than the traditional image of the heavy draft horse.  If you have any comments or suggestions, please click here.

Names:  Irish Draft, Irish Draught.

Origin:  Ireland.  Irish Free State.

Breeding:  Ancient native Irish breed, in whose creation probably Spanish horses, Connemara Ponies and Thoroughbreds all shared.  There may have been an introduction of heavier blood.  In recent years breeding has declined sharply.

Description:  General impression rather heavy.  Broad, deep and muscular horse.

Action:  Energetic, progressive movements in all three gaits; exceptional jumping talent.

Body:  Long neck well set on.  High withers.  Good saddle position.  Excellent shoulders; long, cylindrical barrel with long back and broad, oblique quarters not always very well made.

Color:  Often bay; also gray, chestnut or brown.  Predominately bay, chestnut and grey.

Head:  Quite large, but often unimposing.

Hooves:  Rather large, sometimes somewhat flat.

Legs:  Tough and sturdy, with strong, clean tendons and joints.

Size:  15.2-16 hands.  15 to 16 hands.

Temperament:  

Features:  Tough, hard, large harness horse of energetic appearance.  On the borderline of common heavy breeds.  Specially suited for crossing with Thoroughbreds for producing Irish Half-blood Hunters.

Uses:  Good all round farm horse.  Makes a top class hunter and jumper if crossed with a Thoroughbred.

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