Irish Draught Horse: Size, Temperament and Care

Who an Irish Draught Suits

Irish Draughts suit adult riders who want a sensible, capable horse for hacking, hunting, jumping and riding club, including riders who are taller or heavier. Their good nature makes many of them kind schoolmasters.

They mature slowly and are big, strong horses, so a young Irish Draught is best with an experienced rider and good instruction.

Ireland's All-Rounder

The Irish Draught developed on Irish farms as a horse that could plow, pull a cart, carry the family to church and go hunting at the weekend. Crossed with Thoroughbreds, it produced the Irish Sport Horse, famous in show jumping and eventing.

Horse Sport Ireland keeps the Irish Draught studbook, and societies in Great Britain, North America and elsewhere register and promote the breed. Breeding stock is inspected against the breed standard.

Feeding and Grazing

Irish Draughts are often good-doers that keep weight easily on forage alone. On rich grass, extra weight raises the risk of laminitis, so ask your vet whether grazing should be limited, especially in spring. Base the diet on weighed hay and sensible grazing, with a balancer or mineral lick for vitamins and minerals.

See feeding horses forage first and body condition scoring.

Hooves, Teeth, Coat and Weather

Pick out feet daily and book the farrier every few weeks, and a dental check at least once a year. See hoof care and the farrier and teeth and dental care.

Most have a good winter coat; a horse in regular work may be clipped and need a blanket (rug). See the blanket weight guide.

Company, Space and Handling

Irish Draughts need company, daily turnout and a stable big enough for a large horse: the British Horse Society's minimum for horses is 12 × 12 ft (3.65 × 3.65 m). See stabling and field shelters.

Health: Preventive Care

Book a check-up soon after your horse arrives, and ask your vet about vaccinations and a worming plan guided by fecal egg counts. Plan for the farrier every few weeks and a dental check at least once a year. Score body condition every few weeks, by hand: weight creeps on quietly, especially on spring grass.

Worming, vaccinations and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your horse and where you live.

Buying, Loaning or Rescuing

Breed society members and breeders in Ireland, the UK and North America, sales and rehoming charities are good starting points. Have a vet do a pre-purchase examination and check the passport and studbook papers. See buying a horse.