|
About The Irish Draught
A native horse of Ireland, the Irish Draught (pronounced 'draft') is not heavy horse, as the name would suggest. It is a warm-blooded breed of horse which are very sound, sensible and personable animals possessing good bone, substance and quality. It has movement that is smooth and free, being without exaggeration, nor heavy and ponderous.
Standing over a lot of ground, the Draught has an exceptionally strong and sound constitution, great stamina and an uncanny jumping ability. Add to this a, fabulous temperament made up of willingness, intelligence, docility and common sense, and you have a perfect companion mount for riders of all ages.
While the Irish Draught has the ability and versatility to participate in a variety of equine sports [jumping, eventing, dressage, hunting and driving], it may be best known for its ability to pass on these qualities in the production of the highly successful Irish Draught Sport Horse.
Note: To view the entire Breed Standard, please visit the Irish Draught Horse Society (NA) page About the Irish Draught
About The Irish Draught Sport Horse  The "magical cross" (that of an Irish Draught and Thoroughbred), creates a potent mix that is well suited for the demands of modern day competition.
With the even temperament, durability and power of the Irish Draught and the speed and athleticism of the Thoroughbred, this cross has become world famous for its jumping and cross-country ability. Cruising, Cagney, Ado Annie, Eezy, Carling King and Hopes are High are some of the shinning stars of the Grand Prix circuit, and Custom Made, Supreme Rock, Giltedge and Sailing have thrilled us in the eventing world.
In North America, we have recently seen the introduction of Irish Draught crosses with other bloodlines such as top quality Warmbloods, Arabians and Quarter horses, which are showing great promise as companions and competitors in all areas of equine sports.
We thank the following for the use of photos. Starting at the top left hand side;
[1] Mountain Pearl, RID Stallion; courtesy of Fox Hollow Sport Horses
[2] Rose Ffion, RID Mare; courtesy of Manu Forti Farm
[3] Harkaway Lionhawk, RID Stallion; courtesy of Harkaway Irish Draughts and Victor Steel Photography
[4] IDSH Mountain Piper, RID x Morgan mare; courtesy of Fox Hollow Sport Horses
[5] IDSH Celtic Rose, RID x TB mare; courtesy of Belinda Jones
Starting at the top right hand side;
[1] Harkaway Riverdance, RID mare; courtesy of Harkaway Irish Draughts
[2] IDSH Free n' Clear, RID x TB gelding; courtesy of Pics of You Photography
~Return to Top~ | 
The IDHS(NA) Central Region is one of six geographical areas that make up the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America, an organization begun in 1995 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the Irish Draught Horse and its part bred, the Irish Draught Sport Horse, throughout the United States and Canada. The IDHS(NA) is officially recognized by the parent organization, Irish Draught Horse Society of Ireland, and its counter-part, the Irish Horse Board.
