History

The Irish Draught, pronounced (draft) originated during the Middle Ages for knights needing war horses.  Both Nepoleon and the Duke of Wellington fighting on opposing sides rode into the battle of Waterloo on Irish Draught horses.  Over time Celtic ponies, Andilusians and Thoroughbreds were crossed into the breed to create the Irish Draught of today.

    The conditions in Ireland allowed for only one horse per family thus creating a need for each horse to work the fields, draw the cart to market, fox hunt at speed over fences and take the family to church on Sunday.   After World War II there were half a million Irish Draught in Ireland.  Due to mechanization and the decimation of horse breeds in Europe the Irish Draught was exported for meat and incorporated into many European Warmblood breeds of today.  Unfortunately the Irish Draught suffered for this exportation.  In 1994 there were less than 1000 registered Irish horses left, putting them on the endangered species list.  The Irish Government has since taken steps to work with England, Brazil and other countries including the United States to preserve this breed that is known for their substance, soundness, athleticism and bold attitude tempered by good sense and kind temperament.  With this world wide effort their number's are now more than doubled.

Why Go Irish?

     The Irish Sport Horse (a cross of Irish Draught and TB) has won more medals than any other breed. They are ranked #1 in Eventing and #5 in Show Jumping. Most recent super stars Connaught ridden by Phillip Dutton in the 2008 Olympics and of course The Silver medalist Gina Miles on McKinlaigh, Custom Made (Gold medal winner), Flo Jo, Giltedge, Cagney, Hopes are High and Special Envoy, are but a few of the Irish Draught crosses competing and winning Internationally.  The one statistic that stands out the most may be the fact that out of approximately 8,000 brood mares in Ireland (includes RID, TB, and Sport horse mares an average of 15 new Grand Prix jumpers emerge each year.  By comparison Germany, with approximately 250,000 brood mares produce on average  15 Grand Prix jumpers.  There is no doubt, your odds of finding your perfect Hunt Horse, Event horse or Jumper are extremely high with the Irish Draught crosses.  But the best reason to Go Irish may simply be to have your next best friend and family mount that stays sound and gives you years of enjoyment and safe journeys.

Tom & Sandy Williams    P.O. Box 195 Smith, Nv. 89430      (775) 465-1150

Inspection photos by Pony Express Equine Photos   916-334-3269