By Phyllis Dawson

    If you are looking for a versatile horse with a great personality, incredible jumping ability and excellent movement, the Irish Draught Sport Horse is for you!  This highly successful breed is a product of crossing Thoroughbreds with Irish Draught Horses (usually 1/4 Irish Draught, 3/4 Thoroughbred).  They have the heart and keen intelligence of a Thoroughbred, coupled with a calm and sensible temperament from their Irish Draught blood. They are known for their great durability, soundness and stamina. The Irish Sport Horse has a tremendous gallop with plenty of speed, exceptional jumping talent, and has been bred for centuries to run and jump and go across the countryside.

     The Irish Draught Horse is a breed whose ancient history lies as much in battle as it does in agriculture. 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.

      The horse of the Irish countryside, the Irish Draught lived in close quarters with the farming family.  There was less need for the type of heavy horse that developed in other areas of Europe.  Instead, the Irish farmer required a versatile horse that was docile, strong and economical to keep. The horse had to be able to work the farm during the week, pull a trap in style to church on Sunday and still be fast and athletic enough to take him Foxhunting on Saturday.

      While having the strength and placid temperament of the working horse, the Irish Draught is not a draught horse in the usual application of that word. The breed traces its roots back to Celtic times on it's island home where these horses raced at ancient festivals or pulled chariots in epic battles, it has gradually evolved into an animal with versatility far beyond what the name implies.  Ireland's soil, climate and culture makes it the most horse friendly place on earth.  The Irish Draught (pronounced "Draft") has benefited from this environment for longer than any other type of horse, and over the centuries has evolved into Ireland's unique contribution to the equine world. The name may be misleading in that the breed is a lighter free-moving animal than the traditional image of the heavy horse.

       One of the greatest contributions of the Irish Draught to the horse world has been as the foundation in the breeding of the great 'Irish Hunter'. Today the Irish Draught is sought after for its breeding qualities, being used more and more to get extra bone and substance in the progeny of the lighter type mare.  When crossed with the Thoroughbred, the Irish Draught is the basic ingredient of the Irish Sport Horse (ISH). (In Great Britain and North America, this is referred to as the Irish Draught Sport Horse to distinguish it from Irish bred horses with no Irish Draught blood).  Ever since show jumping had its birth in Ireland and went on to become an International sport at the end of the 19th century, the Irish Draught Horse has played a major role. The even temperament, durability and athleticism of the Irish Draught, when crossed with the Thoroughbred, has created a fabulous type of horse that has the qualities to excel in International level competition in Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage.
      Whether you are interested in Eventing, Show Jumping, Foxhunting, Dressage, Driving or just want a pleasant horse to ride and enjoy, the marvelous thing about the Irish Draught Sport Horse is that it can do any of the above - or even ALL of the above. These horses are well known for competing at the top international level of several sports.  Star Appeal, Cruising, Mill Pearl, and Giltedge are a few prime examples, and the list goes on and on.

      
      But did you know that many, many more Irish Draught Sport Horses spend their lives providing owners of every riding ability level, interest, and age with endless joy and pride? A weekend may include following the hounds, a local show or event, a dressage lesson, or even a carriage drive in the country. Whether purebred, or crossed with another breed, the Irish Draught is a highly versatile, athletic, and remarkably sound horse with a temperament that makes him part of the family. This is the horse the Irish have relied on for generations to take them out in the morning, secure in the knowledge it will do whatever is asked of it, and bring them home safe at the end of the day. What more could you ask for?

      In the past, it has been necessary to travel to Ireland to search for quality Irish Sport Horses, and import them at considerable trouble and expense.  Now, however, it is possible to breed or purchase top class young Irish horses with impeccable bloodlines here in the United States.  Windchase and Brandenburg Farm proudly offer the outstanding stallion Brandenburg's Windstar at stud.  We also offer for sale a selection of Windstar's offspring, ranging from foals born in 2000 to two-year-olds.  We also have several competition age imported Irish horses for sale.

      Increasingly, people who are looking for trainability, talent, soundness, power and a close relationship with their horse are turning to the Irish Sport Horse. Often it is the all around versatility that brings folk to the breed, but it is the delightful temperament that makes it impossible to live without one thereafter!  So, whether you are breeding a horse for Olympic competition, or one to entrust with your own and your children's fun and safety, choose an Irish Sport Horse for the job - you will not regret it!