The confirmation of the Irish Draught / Sport Horse basically have the
same requirements.
Foals born to an R.I.D. mare by an R.I.D. stallion are recognized as theIrish Draught Breed.
For a colt or filly to gain entry into the main stud book ie. to be fully registered, they must undergo inspections.
Inspections include a visual inspection and a veterinary examination. The high standards set ensure only the best horses are approved.
Foals of mixed R.I.D., T.B.. Foreign breed parentage, born in Ireland, are affixed with the letters L.S.H. i.e. Irish Sport Horse. The typical Irish Sport Horse is a cross of R.LD/ T.B. This cross is world recognized. The Irish half bred has been much sought after for their agility, ride ability and elegance for decades.
The great armies of Europe depended on these brave equines to carry their loads, pull their cannons and most of all to stay calm in the heat of battle. Many great warhorses were bred in Ireland including Napoleon’s Martingo, who was bred in Co. Wexford. The courage of these horses could also be depended upon on the hunting fields. The safe passage over double banks, ditches and stone walls was certain when faced by the Irish Hunter.
To introduce more speed into the breed, half-bred mares were crossed with a thoroughbred to produce the three quarter bred.
This cross has resulted in the Irish Horse Board being awarded the leading stud book in the production of eveners for eleven consecutive years.
A huge void was left with the passing of the great King Of Diamonds RID Clover Hill R.I.D. Sky Boy T.B., Ozymandias T.B and other sires whose stock were keeping Ireland foremost as a leading producer of show jumpers, eventers and leisure horses.
Some stallion owners looked at other countries like Germany, Holland and France who had government backed breeding programs and an influx of foreign bred stallions into Ireland began. Some of these sires attracted huge books of mares. The result was a drop in the number of R.I.D. and the traditional RID/ T.B cross.
In recent years the message has ‘hit home to the Irish Breeder that international buyers come to Ireland to buy native breeds, i.e. they go to Germany, Holland etc. to buy theirs. Breeders who stuck with breeding the traditional Irish Horse are now reaping the rewards as once again the Irish Draught in particular, is stamping his authority and proving his ability. This cannot be outdone.


Charles and Susan Yates
Westminster, MD
410-871-2825
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