The Irish Draught has a long history in Ireland and developed as a versatile light draught animal, capable of farm work including ploughing, riding, carriage and trap work and producing Irish hunters (and later show jumpers) both in their own right and when crossed with thoroughbreds. During times of war in the pre- motor era they were also much sought after as military horses in Europe and Britain. As far back as 1517 the Bishop of Armagh reported to King Henry ViIII that Ireland 'produces absolutely nothing but the best oats and the most excellent, victorious horses, more swift than the English horses.' (charming) [Quoted in Colin A Lewis's excellent book The Origins and Development of the Irish Draught Horse ]

Ireland has been renowned for its horses for hundres of years and today Irish horses in the form of Irish Draughts, Connemaras, Irish Cobs, and the Irish Sport Horse are much sought after. Defining characteristics of all these animals are their temperament, athleticism and courage.
Much has been written on the Irish Draught, and books worth investing in are the following:

The Irish Draught Horse - a History by Mary McGrath and Joan C Griffith
The Origins and Development of the Irish Draught Horse by Colin A Lewis (Available sometimes through Abebooks.co.uk and Amazon)
The Modern Irish Draught by Nicholas O'Hare

There may well be others that people know of, please send in references if you do. The Irish Draught Horse as a type is an athletic, powerful horse with substance and quality. It is proud in its bearing, deep of girth and strong of back and quarters. Standing over a lot of ground, it has an exceptionally strong and sound constitution. It has an intelligent and gentle nature and is noted for its docility and sense. It is the foundation of today's Irish Sport Horse. The Irish Draught Horse Society was founded in 1976 and has been of enormous importance for the development of the Irish Draught as a breed. For more information on the Society and its work, you can go to their website at The Irish Draught Horse Society. Also see :
Horse Sport Ireland and Irish Horse Board.



King of Diamonds 1962 - 1991 bred by Slyguff Stud (O'Neill) and Pride of Shaunlara 1969 - 1993 (courtesy Suma Stud)



Clover Hill