Irish Draught

The Irish Draught Horse was created by crossing the Thoroughbred horse with Irish mares. The Irish draught horse has been traditionally used for agricultural work, carriage driving and hunting.

The agricultural recession in 1879 caused a decline in Irish Draught Horse numbers so in 1904 the Department of Agriculture Committee on Horse Breeding introduced a subsidy scheme to approved stallions of Irish Draught and Hunter type and this resulted in the Irish Draught Horse that is known today. The Irish Draught Horse Society was formed in 1976 and the Irish Draught is today valued for producing competition horses and hunters.

The Irish Draught Horse is 15 to 17 hh.

The Irish Draught Horse has a short thick neck, long body and powerful hindquarters which make it an excellent jumper. The Irish Draught Horse is usually bay, grey, brown or chestnut.

The Irish Draught Horse is sensible, alert and willing.

The Irish Draught Horse is primarily used for hunting and riding. Irish Draught-Thoroughbred crosses make excellent competition horses, particularly in jumping events.