The Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association was formed to preserve and promote the integrity of the Irish Draught Breed. The Association’s Members work throughout Ireland in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Marine, and Horse Sport Ireland, in creating the atmosphere for the protection of this indigenous species.
The Irish Draught is a light draught breed that developed as a working horse on Irish farms. The breed is renowned for its strength, intelligence, courage, durability and gentle temperament.
Horse Sport Ireland have published the 2026 Irish Draught Genetic Diversity Report, prepared by HSI geneticist Dr. Jennifer Doyle. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity within the Irish Draught population, based on data from the Irish Draught Horse Studbook database.
The Irish Draught horse is recognised as a designated rare breed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the preservation and sustainable development of the breed remains central to the HSI operated breeding programme. This latest report supports that objective by providing breeders with the insights required to make informed breeding decisions, provides updated data from previous years and acts as a monitor for the long-term genetic health of the population.
Show
July 19th Barnadown, in conjunction with the Wicklow Summer Show
Assessment
November 22nd 2025, Kildalton Collage, Pilltown, Co. Kilkenny
From the earliest times horses have always been a part of Irish life. Over the years small native hoses were crossed with Norman horses and Spanish Andalusian stallions to increase the size of the native breed. In addition, the Thoroughbred has also played a significant role in the development of the Irish Draught breed throughout the centuries.
Irish Draught Horse Society GB
Irish Draught Horse Society North America
Irish Draught Horse Society Canada
Irish Draught Horse Society New Zealand
Irish Draught Horse Society Australia
Year Book 2023
Year Book 2022
Year Book 2021
Year Book 2021
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