4 Irish Breeds You HAVE to RIDE!
Ireland is an incredible country to explore… Especially if you are an Equestrian. Here are four amazing breeds that I think you will LOVE!
#1. Connemara Pony
Known around the world for their brilliant jumping ability, the Connemara Pony is a large pony breed that is ridden by both children and adults. These rugged and surefooted horses are native to the untamed area of western Ireland called Connemara.
These incredible ponies have a gentle nature, great character and they often compete against larger horses in top level competitions.
Featured Horse: Aille Toronto
Gender: Gelding
Color: Grey
Registry: Connemara Pony Breeder’s Society
Owned By: Willie Leahy. World’s Largest breeder of Connemara Ponies.
Filmed at: Dartfield Equestrian. Loughrea, Ireland.
#2. Irish Cob
Strong, Sturdy and Gentle. The Irish Cob is a beautiful breed with long flowing hair and a lovable personality. These hard working horses pulled carts and wagons through Ireland, Britain and Europe for hundreds of years. They have wide, short backs that make them comfortable to ride and their kind temperament makes them the ideal family horse.
Featured Horse: The Magnificent Mr.Midnight
Gender: Gelding
Color: Black
Registry: Horse Sport Ireland: Irish Cob Studbook.
Filmed in: Galway, Ireland with J.T. Equestrian (Formerly Cooper’s Hill Equine.)
#3. Irish Draught
The Irish Draught is a horse of many uses. This endangered breed has a long history in Ireland. Irish Farmers often could only afford to have one horse, so they used them to work in the fields, drive the family to town and ride all day on the hunt. They are lighter than a traditional draft, with smooth, athletic movement and a reliable temperament.
Featured Horse: Cappa Aristocrat
Class 1 RID
Champion Stallion
Breed Origin: Ireland
Gender: Stallion
Foaled in: 2011
Color: Grey
Registry: Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association
Owned By: Jimmy Quinn
Filmed with: Cappa Stud in Ireland.
#4. Irish Sport Horse
Irish Sport Horses are extreme Athletes. These talented horses compete in the highest levels of equestrian competitions including the olympics and the world equestrian games. But they are also a popular choice for amateur riders.
Known for their courage, intelligence and soundness, the breed is a combination of the Irish Draught and the Thoroughbred, and more recently there has been an addition of warmblood breeds.
Featured Horse: Charlie
Breed Origin: Ireland
Gender: Gelding
Registry: Horse Sport Ireland: Irish Sport Horse Studbook
Owned By: The Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Ireland.
