IRISH DRAUGHT

Breed of heavy working horse native to Ireland. The Irish draught was commonly used to pull plows and wagons on Irish farms before other heavy horses were imported.} The Irish draught has a strong body, standing about 162.5 to 174.5 cm (about 64 to 68 in, or 16 to 17 hands) high at the withers (the high part of the back, located between the shoulder blades). The strong, heavy legs have a low, swinging motion. The shoulders are long and powerful, and the thighs well-muscled, which gives the horse good galloping and jumping ability. The sculptured head is attractive, with a broad forehead and alert ears. The Irish draught coat is colored gray, chestnut (gold), bay (reddish), or brown. The Irish draught may have descended from the Connemara pony . The Flanders Great Horse, brought to Ireland by English invaders in the 12th century, influenced development of the Irish draught, as Arabian and Andalusianhorses did later. The Irish draught made a good riding horse in addition to its use on the farm. Its numbers decreased during World War I (1914-1918) when this horse was used extensively for pulling artillery through the mud because of its strength. Following World War II (1939-1945), it was threatened again by export as food to the European continent until this practice was banned in 1965. Influence from the Thoroughbred horse has added height, speed, and stature to the Irish draught, and increased its all-around athletic ability. This horse is said to have a fifth leg cause it is incredibly sure-footed and tractable. When crossed with the Thoroughbred today, the contemporary Irish draught produces a world-class jumper and field hunter and the world's best cross-country horse. Most Irish hunters and steeplechase horses have some Irish draught in them.

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