ecb89
Well-Known Member
This is exactly like Paddy. He’s a doofus but so sensitive and sharp.
Tell me everything about Irish Draughts...
- Thread starter ImmyS
- Start date
tatty_v
Well-Known Member
I used to ride a 17hh chestnut pure ID. I absolutely adored him. First sat on him as a novice when he was only 5, he could barely walk in a circle, it was like steering a cruise liner ? he turned into an all 8s dressage horse ? OH and I are currently on the hunt for an ID or ID x but really struggling to find anything.
Neddie123
Well-Known Member
My experience is they are stubborn, greedy and very opinionated. Do not overfeed them - there are a lot around these days that are too fat. they take time to mature fully too. My last one was so greedy she ate 2/3's of a salt lick once. Oh and one winter she ate my glove! I didn't notice until I found it in her poo. Nice cheap horses to keep though.
mini_b
Well-Known Member
Yes, the same. It was almost like he didnt trust that he'd landed on his feet. He was rather shut down when i got him, it was heartbreaking. He was exceptionally polite and mannerly but there was no spark or enthusiasm in his eyes, just a worried crease over his brow. I love that we are in the same boat
i look forward to hearing how you get on!
mini_b
Well-Known Member
mini_b
Well-Known Member
Mine had no ground manners at all but it was mostly panic mode.
he has vastly improved and is now a pleasure however he does run towards danger. ?
He is sharp, hot and spooky but at the same time a complete numb nuts.
his spooks are often but he won’t drop you, it’s more of a splat on the spot.
He likes to “help” in any way he can.
The most genuine, eager to please horse.
he’s now definitely MY horse.
I really think If I had another breed this green it would have buried me a million times over.
now he has a bit more confidence in me, he will honestly do anything.
be careful treating IDs as they are greedy and will eat a child if left to their own devices.
I can’t speak highly enough of them. They aren’t fancy fancy flashy but they are the perfect horse for so many.
he has vastly improved and is now a pleasure however he does run towards danger. ?
He is sharp, hot and spooky but at the same time a complete numb nuts.
his spooks are often but he won’t drop you, it’s more of a splat on the spot.
He likes to “help” in any way he can.
The most genuine, eager to please horse.
he’s now definitely MY horse.
I really think If I had another breed this green it would have buried me a million times over.
now he has a bit more confidence in me, he will honestly do anything.
be careful treating IDs as they are greedy and will eat a child if left to their own devices.
I can’t speak highly enough of them. They aren’t fancy fancy flashy but they are the perfect horse for so many.
Zibby
Active Member
Nicnac
Well-Known Member
Like me he's always hungry and gets hangry when food isn't available, but is a VERY good doer. Can be a bargy git if allowed. Isn't naturally cuddly - like a mare, it's on his terms. Hairy. Mud monster. Does enormous poos.
Wouldn't swap him for the world. Talented in all 3 phases, hacks like a dream, if he's going to spook you can feel it coming a mile off and it's always rather half-hearted and makes me giggle. I got him as a 4 year old to replace my horse of a lifetime, but he is definitely also a horse of a lifetime. He's coming up to 14 end July but it feels like 2 minutes since I got him.
Everyone I know loves him and many would give their right arm to have one the same.
Wouldn't swap him for the world. Talented in all 3 phases, hacks like a dream, if he's going to spook you can feel it coming a mile off and it's always rather half-hearted and makes me giggle. I got him as a 4 year old to replace my horse of a lifetime, but he is definitely also a horse of a lifetime. He's coming up to 14 end July but it feels like 2 minutes since I got him.
Everyone I know loves him and many would give their right arm to have one the same.
Spottyappy
Well-Known Member
My daughters one is sharp. Very sharp. She is by Hillview Farm Superstar.
She is utterly bombproof in traffic.
she is also very talented, and my daughter has done everything with her, from hacking to BS (she has points too).
She is utterly bombproof in traffic.
she is also very talented, and my daughter has done everything with her, from hacking to BS (she has points too).
QuantockHills
Well-Known Member
go and see Janet George while she has still has a few left.... that's where mine came from as a 3 year old... I backed him myself (never done it before) and he was very easy! Just needed a bit of help riding him on as he decided he didnt like to go too far! He's quite sporty and will hopefully start some eventing this year... he'll be 8 in May and I love him to bits. He gets bullied by my 11.2 and the chickens, yet he's 17hh near enough. and surprisingly un-greedy.... always has hay left and doesn't need many rugs...
mini_b
Well-Known Member
I get this too - others would love a horse like him
I don’t think others realise they can take quite a bit of getting them “on side” but once they are, they truly are there for you!
oh yes - the back breaking poos.
WeeLassie
Well-Known Member
Every single Irish Draught is different.....
LegOn
Well-Known Member
Always remember they were bred to pull carts not do dressage! So despite their lovely big backsides - they prefer to pull in front rather than push behind but my god the power!!!
They are giant Labradors - smart, cute, funny, have no idea of their size or ability, love a job, love their food and will generally learn anything quickly or for food!!!!
Of course - all generalisations
They are giant Labradors - smart, cute, funny, have no idea of their size or ability, love a job, love their food and will generally learn anything quickly or for food!!!!
Of course - all generalisations
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
I have had 2 pure bred ID's, both stunning horses. One by Powerswood Purple and the other Embla George. I would have both back in a heart beat and miss them so much. Highly intelligent and always on side. One was big and had Colman as the dam sire, Colman was renowned for putting size and movement into his stock. I have a half bred now and she is small.
I searched the entire country for another ID when the Embla George boy died far too early but could not find what I wanted.
Good luck with your new horse, you won't regret an ID.
I searched the entire country for another ID when the Embla George boy died far too early but could not find what I wanted.
Good luck with your new horse, you won't regret an ID.
SibeliusMB
Well-Known Member
I got to work with some amazing ID/RIDs/RIDSHs many years ago, most imported from Ireland and some we bred here in the US. Of the five or six I rode and trained on regularly, I found them generally to be athletic (well...some more than others, lol), extremely smart, and willing. I loved them. We started two and thought they were wonderful to break in, great learners and super genuine. Super in the hunt field.
These two were "my" boys (belonged to the farm I trained for): the top one was a full RID, bottom two photos are of my favorite RIDSH. Miss these boys...
These two were "my" boys (belonged to the farm I trained for): the top one was a full RID, bottom two photos are of my favorite RIDSH. Miss these boys...
Cortez
Tough but Fair
If I may be allowed......I don't like Irish Draughts much. Having said that, I've never had a need for one as I don't do jumpy-gallopy things at all. I think they are generally liked better in the UK than here (of course there are people who adore their draughts here too), but we do like to sell them to you I find the majority clumpy, unathletic and dim.
I find the majority clumpy, unathletic and dim.
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mini_b
Well-Known Member
every single horse is different.
However everyone else on this thread is sharing the ID’s characteristics that are very typical of their breed which is what folk are so lovingly referring to.
As do Arabs, shetlands et al.
mini_b
Well-Known Member
If I may be allowed......I don't like Irish Draughts much. Having said that, I've never had a need for one as I don't do jumpy-gallopy things at all. I think they are generally liked better in the UK than here (of course there are people who adore their draughts here too), but we do like to sell them to you too
my trainer adores my boys heart - but has the exact same sentiments about them!
daydreamer
Well-Known Member
My friend has one, we hacked out together for years and he has always been pretty spooky. I now "school" him a couple of times a week as I don't have my own. He is pretty spooky and inattentive (thinks poles will always eat him) until he is a bit tired then he is very backwards. It is a bit like riding a tank at times. He does seem to be intelligent just not always very sensible although I know she has taken him to some county shows and he was as good as gold. He is really quite overweight but not fed much at all!!
DabDab
Ah mud, splendid
If I may be allowed......I don't like Irish Draughts much. Having said that, I've never had a need for one as I don't do jumpy-gallopy things at all. I think they are generally liked better in the UK than here (of course there are people who adore their draughts here too), but we do like to sell them to you too
I love IDs with someone else riding them. As a breed that pulls off the feat of being really well suited to the all-rounder market, they have got to be one of the best. However I can't ride them for toffee. Something about their size and movement I just can't ride one side of, particularly when show jumping. No idea why, because I love a good draught in general.
wispagold
Well-Known Member
We had an ID x TB mare. She was out of Diamond Jake and was his absolute split. She has an enormous shoulder, very short back and huge bum! She was a really lovely mare with a heart of gold. Very friendly and wouldn't hurt a fly but she was very sharp, sensitive and could be quite anxious. We did BSPS working hunter with her (she was only 15hh) and pony club eventing. Her dressage scores were never very good as although she was very talented she would completely boil over in a test and be very tense. But XC she was one of the best horses I have ridden. Had the heart of a lion and made you feel like she would jump the moon if you asked her to. She was very quick through the air and we never had any issues with the times.
We very sadly lost her to colic in her early 20s. I would love to have another like her.
We very sadly lost her to colic in her early 20s. I would love to have another like her.
Fly_By_Wire
Well-Known Member
Another vote in favour of ID! Pip is an ID/TB/Connie mix and I utterly adore her. I've always like fine sporty types and would have said she's far too chunky for me, but I am totally in love with her brain, and she is seriously scopey. Her only fault is she gets fat on air, she is currently working hard 5x weekly on nothing but winter grass, hay overnight and a tiny scoop of balancer and is only just staying the right side of fat....
Equi
Well-Known Member
I only know one purebred currently. Not "bad" or bold in any way..just a total princess!! He dictates his terms and the terms of others, and thats that. I would say he rules the yard. But he really is a saint to hack/ride. I know a fair few IDx and all are sane and sensible but also a bit spoiled. They are a horse that knows how they aught be treated.
I rode a beautiful leaner type one in RS a few years ago and its my biggest regret i didn't buy her..but it was a few months too soon with work/money. Broke my heart. Id still love to find her again but i doubt anyone would part with her.
I rode a beautiful leaner type one in RS a few years ago and its my biggest regret i didn't buy her..but it was a few months too soon with work/money. Broke my heart. Id still love to find her again but i doubt anyone would part with her.
Equi
Well-Known Member
And this is EXACTLY why i want one! lol
Kaylum
Well-Known Member
Totally depends on the breeding and handling. Ours we used to get them out seeing things. Its no good being in the school we would get them out and about no messing. This did backfire on us when my friend bought one and took her to shows and used to prey for a helicopter to be there giving rides as she was so laid back.
utter-nutter
Well-Known Member
Oooo any excuse to show off this chap! If could clone this guy I generally would, he’s by Grosnvenor lad out of lough lady. Agree with the constant need for food (gets seriously han-gry) never need for much rugs, and stubborn as they come, and the turning circle of a tank..just wish I had him as youngster. He’s super tough, initially napped and is a bit of a spooky chicken, and loves attention, did struggle with his weight over winter but I owed that to him finding hunting v. exciting.. I open team chased him, hunted and evented up to 100 level. But while he would follow another horse over literally anything, (once jumped a car...?)he would simply struggle to jump well in a comp environment as would be too busy freaking out at the fence judge/sheep in the field a mile away/someone’s Shetland ect ect?? . Is the by far the scopest horse I have ever ridden, (rather nice being able to ‘trot and pop’ a gate out hunting! Though he did often choose where to take off and I could do absolutely nothing about it..rather terrifying at a 6ft hedge ? but weakling 9st me vs him, made my mother rather nervous (he was my first horse after a quite 14hh..had him 11yrs and at 18yr this time round he’s still looking and feeling rather well! Good luck with yours!
mini_b
Well-Known Member
the orange ones are the best ones ?
ecb89
Well-Known Member
mine is the opposite!
neddy man
Well-Known Member
2x
F/bk pages, some including prices "Irish draught and irish cross network " & "Irish draught and Irish sports horse network "
Annagain
Well-Known Member
There's an Indigo (Janet's preifx) for sale on Horsequest. He looks lovely. I think it's the same one that was advertised about 18 months ago by an instructor I've had lessons with at camps. If it is and she started / schooled him he'll have had a lovely education.
Also, try Natacha Bonner (NB equine on Facebook) I bought Charlie off her (unregistered breeding but definitely a lot of ID in him if not 100%) and he's totally as described. I saw her mention a couple of days ago that she has a purebred ID on its way over from Ireland. She doesn't have loads of horses in but she does have nice ones.
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