The Irish Horse receives
the sense and honesty of the Irish Draught and
the athleticism, speed, and endurance of the
Thoroughbred. It has an excellent temperament,
being calm, yet lively when needed, and is very
tough. Connemara blood is also found in some
Irish mares.
The
Irish Horse is traditionally
used for all purposes, from
transportation, to riding,
and working the land.
However, it is becoming
increasingly popular as a
competition riding horse.
Its natural athletic ability
and fantastic jumping
talents means that it excels
in the
show jumping arena, as
well as competing at the
highest levels of
eventing.
The horse is globally
renowned for being one of
the best fox hunting mounts
in the world.
The Irish Draught's history lies as much in battle as it does in agriculture. Written in 1 BC, the "Cuchulain Saga" describes mighty chariot horses of Irish Draught type. In the twelfth century came the arrival, in Ireland, of the Anglo-Normans with their strong war horses. Later, in the sixteenth century, trade between southern Ireland and Spain brought a strong mix of Spanish blood to the native horses. The Irish Draught has been exported in huge numbers into the armies of Europe since the Middle Ages. As recently as the first World War the Irish Draught served on the front lines in their thousands.
