Dressage is without doubt the fastest growing sport in equestrianism
today. Historically, first thoughts would not have considered the Irish
Draught and Irish Draught part bred as obvious choices for Dressage.
Possibly this is partly due to the fact that in Ireland their big love is
Show Jumping and IDs were never produced for Dressage in the way the
continentals have produced the Warmblood. More and more, however, things
are changing and Irish Draught horses are showing that they have the
attributes to prove themselves in the Dressage Arena. They excel with
their power, soundness and exceptional trainability. They are suited very
much to the amateur rider due to their exceptional temperaments, whilst at
the same time they are able to produce the goods in the hands of
professionals. Contrary to what the name ‘draught’ implies, they also do
move very well and they are extremely well balanced and light on their
feet. The qualities of athleticism, balance and ability to ‘think’, that
made them exceptional for Cross-country and Show Jumping, are now proving
themselves in Dressage.
When one considers the years that the Warmblood has been bred and produced
at a professional level, it is little wonder that they are in the
forefront of Dressage. But when one considers the numbers of horses bred
and produced by professionals on the continent in comparison to Ireland
and the UK, it makes one aware that the true potential of the Irish
Draught and its crosses is as yet virtually untapped.
The Irish Draught is renowned as the foundation of sport horses and with
selective breeding and good training they are able to compete with the
best.
IRISH DRAUGHTS IN DRESSAGE AWARDS - here
Irish Draughts in Dressage - here
Last Updated Thursday, September 23 2010 @ 07:21 PM BST|6,291 Hits 
