What is an Irish Draught horse?
Traditionally, Irish Draught horses were the farm horses of Ireland which were most numerous in the South and West of Ireland. They were used for general-purpose farm work. Typically, a horse would have to do light tillage, pull a cart and go hunting. Since farms have become mechanized, horses are not used as much for farm work but they are still bred for their abilities under saddle and in harness. They are also bred because they make excellent foundation stock for the production of sport horses. While it is a relatively rare purebred Irish Draught that makes it to the upper levels of competition, horses that are Irish Draught combined with Thoroughbred or another breed can become world-class athletes in show jumping and eventing.
