The Irish Draught Horse is a large beast, yet one capable of astounding gallops and incredible jumps. The legs are massive, with just a breath of the feathering so often seen on Drafts. The joints, like everything else on this horse, are big and well-shaped. The muscular hindquarters slope down from the croup to the tail and lead to hind legs that simply exude power. They are the secret behind the Irish Draught's jumping ability. The withers, those are the horse's “shoulders,” are long and set to the rear, a rare feature that gives the Irish Draught Horse its distinct shape. The nexk is also long and causes the Irish Draught to have an impressive rein length.

A natural hunter, the Irish Draught is fast, enduring, and bold. It has a courageous spirit, and an ability to maintain speed and power over long distances. These virtues are matched by a natural instinct for the hunt. The horse competes internationally at horse trials, sporting events, and, of course, cross-country jumping racing.

Despite its power, the Irish Draught is a calm breed. They are often used as police mounts in the UK because of their strength, staying personalities and lack of skittishness – all traits useful in high-tension scenarios.

Naturally, the breed originated in Ireland, though it is now bred throughout the UK and descended from horses that arrived with the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172. It was originally created as an all-purpose farm horse, but the Irish love of hunting is what encouraged selective breeding for stamina and power.

Though the stock deteriorated after the famine of 1847, it was later improved and today is used as foundation stock for the popular Irish Sport Horse. The Irish Draught is bred all over the world.

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Irish Draught - Horses for Sale