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The Irish Draught is a foundation breed developed in Ireland over hundreds of years. Don't be fooled by the name - this is not a draft horse, like a Percheron or Belgium. This is truly an all purpose breed. Some facts that are important to this story are:
Being highly practical, that is doing what one could with what was available, the Irish used their one family horse for nearly every use imaginable. A week in the life of an Irish horse could be described as follows:
You may be saying - wow! The same horse? What kind of horse can do all that, week in, week out, year in year out and stay sound and healthy. This is exactly the point. The Irish developed a unique breed for this reason precisely. Did they plan the end result? Not scientifically, no. They did it simply. They steadfastly kept only the horses with the best temperament, who were the strongest, most willing, and most athletic. When a family can only afford one horse, there is no time for one with lesser qualities. Generation after generation the horses developed, becoming the super all-purpose horse of today - The Irish Draught. Unfortunately, because of the invention of the tractor, and the devastation to the world horse population caused by World War I, the Irish Draught is now a rare breed. With only a few thousand purebreds throughout the world too many people will never have the distinct pleasure of meeting one. However, the traits the Irish Draught specializes in are consistently passed on to half-bred and even some quarter-bred foals. Part Irish Draughts are more easily accessible, and indeed have been taking the international competition world by storm. Most recently, Custom Made, a quarter-bred Irish Draught gelding won the gold medal for Eventing at the Sidney Olympics. So, look at the history - the generations of development behind the foundation breed. Whether you are breeding a horse for Olympic competition, or one to entrust with your own and your children’s fun and safety, choose an Irish Draught for the job – you will not regret it.
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