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The Irish Draft horse is a
wonderfully versatile horse, but the term draft can be confusing. This is
because although they were used on land, they are, in fact, generally
lighter than true draft horses. As with many breeds, there was an old type
and now a new type has emerged. The original Irish Draft was a smaller
animal, standing at approximately 15 to 15.3 hh. It also had a more
draft-like conformation.
These horses were probably
descended from the Great Horses of Flanders, which were imported after the
Anglo-Norman invasion of AD 1172. They had infusions of Andalusian blood
over the years, as well as that of the Connemara pony. At the tend of the
19th century, Clydesdale blood was introduced to the breed to improve its
draft qualities, but this crossbreeding caused some consternation within the
Irish Draft world. The Clydesdale was blamed for poor conformation below the
knee and lack of stamina. These traits have been largely bred out and
infusions of Thoroughbred blood have added greater refinement, better
conformation of the shoulder and greater endurance.
The Irish Draft of today is
larger than it was and more of a riding horse, losing some of its draft
characteristics. They are versatile horses and often appear to have a high
degree of common sense. In appearance they should have an intelligent head,
which sometimes has a roman nose on a well-set neck. The shoulders should be
powerful and the barrel and quarters muscular. The legs should be clean,
with a short cannon bone, and muscular second thigh and forearm.
The Irish Draft combines
quality, weight and natural athleticism. They are widely used for
crossbreeding with Thoroughbreds to produce top-class competition horses.
this cross-breeding has led to a decline in the breeding of pure Draft
foals, although steps are being taken by the breeders to counteract this
process.
The Irish Draft Society in
Ireland was formed in 1976 and the English Irish Draft Horse Society in
1979. Both societies are very active in promoting the Irish Draft and there
are various programs to grade top quality mares, stallions, and foals. The
Irish Draft is usually bay, chestnut, or gray, and tends to stand between
15.3 and 17 hh.
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