As long ago as 1 BC, chariot horses of a smaller Irish Draught type were described by an Irish writer in the sagas of the day. Centuries later the Normans introduced the blood of their huge chargers to the native horses and later again the trade between southern Ireland and Spain resulted in an infusion of Spanish blood whose influence can still be seen today.

As recently as the First World War their strength, stamina, agility and quiet temperaments took them to Europe in their thousands to serve on the front lines as remounts and artillery horses.

However, the Irish Draught as we know him today is largely the product of his work over the last century or so.

A horse of the Irish country-side, the Irish Draught lived in close quarters with the farming family, and served as a more versatile horse than the popular European heavy horse. The Irish Draught would work the farm during the week, pull a trap in style to church on Sunday and yet be fast, reliable and athletic enough to take his farmer fox-hunting on Saturday.