Irish Draught Horse

Many centuries ago native Irish horses were crossed with Norman horses although no formal records exist of that time. Later Andalusian and most likely eastern blood was used to breed larger horses of better quality suitable for riding, harness work and work on small Irish farms. The modern Irish Draught developed when quality mares were crossed with imported Thoroughbred stallions. Due to the famine in Ireland in 1847 the numbers declined and many horses were interbred with British heavy horses. To save the original Irish Draught the government introduced subsidies to approved stallions at the beginning of the 20th century, which proved a great success and in 1917 a "Book for Horses of the Irish Draught type" was introduced. 375 mares and 44 stallions were entered as suitable for the breed. In 1976 the Irish Draught Horse Society was formed.