Irish draft horse. Irish heavy truck

Type: meso-brachymorphic
Origin: Ireland
Spreading: UK, Ireland
Suit: bay, black, gray, red
Height at withers: 1.52-1.73 m
Usage: team, saddle, agricultural work
Character: active, bold

A magnificent horse, "jack of all trades", the Irish draft horse for centuries performed a wide variety of tasks for the peasants of his land. Extreme versatility and wonderful looks were characteristics that evolved in a breed that was designed to meet the demand for horses that could pull plows, carry farmers and the fruits of their labors, and accompany people on hunts. Thanks to his athletic abilities, this is the only draft horse that can rightly be called an excellent jumper. His world fame is a gift of fate: mares crossed with an English horse give birth to an Irish hunter - an excellent hunting horse and an excellent jumper.

Exterior
The suit, always of a uniform color, can be bay, dark bay, gray, red and sometimes black; white spots are common. The head is small, with a straight profile, a broad forehead, long, widely spaced ears, expressive, sincere eyes, a small muzzle, and wide nostrils. Medium length, strong and slightly arched. The withers are rather raised, the back is long, massive, well set. The dorsal line is long and straight, the croup is sloping. The tail is set high when moving. The chest is broad and muscular, the belly is oval, large and powerful. Feet covered with sparse locks, strong and well stance: forearms long, pasterns also long, massive, with flat bone, hocks proportional, with thick and well-formed joints, tendons strong and lean. The hooves are wide and rounded, with a horn of medium density, rather sensitive.

Story
As to the origin of horses in Ireland, sources differ. The first horses to inhabit the island were ponies brought by the Celts. Theory about appearing there big horses says that they could have occurred at the beginning of the Middle Ages, from crossings of the Connemara pony and horses of Berbero-Spanish origin. The increase in size and good character may have come from European draft breeds, of French or Flemish origin, brought to Ireland in 792 during the Norman invasion. The English brought in heavy horses when they conquered the island in 1172. The first exact date dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, when the first crosses with a thoroughbred horse took place. Around 1840, the Irish draft is described in documents as a beautiful horse, not too tall (approximately 1.57 m), with a strong physique, short, strong legs, a short ridge and straight, prominent legs.

Also, their back was quite straight and, as a result, their movements became flat (shaving), but orderly. Despite all this, they were ridden and even hunted. This great passion of the Irish grew into a desire to develop the breed, instilling in it the determination and courage needed to gallop with natural obstacles of all kinds. A poor harvest in 1847 and an economic crisis in 1879 led to a reduction in the number of Irish drafts. When the situation improved again, the demand for horses suddenly increased, given that in doing so they had to compete with imports of Shire and Clydesdale from Scotland. Crossing Irish Draft mares with these two breeds solved the problem of numbers, but also brought many negative changes in terms of structure and quality. In 1904, the improvement of the breed began, and stallions were purchased with government subsidies. A Book for Horses of the Irish Draft Type was founded, and in 1917 a stud book was established.

Usage
The Irish draft is involved in agricultural work, transportation of goods and hunting. Often used also with a saddle and can carry a heavy rider for any distance. Endowed with a strong spirit of cooperation, this horse is very unpretentious and does not require much maintenance.

All the time retains mobility, which allows her to shine at a gallop and be a bold but careful jumper. This helps to understand how the "marriage" of a mare of this breed (in Ireland there is at least one Irish draft mare on every family farm in Ireland) and a thoroughbred riding mare turns out to be a great Irish hunter jumper. The breed is famous because it gave the world (besides this crossing) beautiful horses for show jumping and eventing. The Irish Hunter is an ideal horse for hunting, and over time he has proved to be a wonderful sport horse.

Watch a video about the gray Irish heavy truck

Exterior: horses of this breed are energetic, short-legged with a rather massive strong constitution. They are not as massive as one might think, based on the name. They have a graceful posture of the head and neck, large kind eyes, strong limbs, usually with short tibias. Proud posture, deep chest and strong back and hips. The legs should be like a hunter's, not like a draft horse. The backbone must be good and strong. The movement of Irish Draft Horses is soft and free, not heavy or cumbersome. They have an understanding and kind nature.

Height at withers: 152 - 172 cm.

Weight: 600 - 700 kg.

Suit: any one-color suit, including gray. White markings on the legs above the knuckles are undesirable.

The name "Irish Harness" can be misleading, and many people are surprised to find that these horses are light, free-moving animals that do not respond traditional view about heavy trucks. However, the origin of the breed begins on small Irish farms, where the working horse played two roles: both used as a hunting horse and drove a gig to the city.

In the history of the Irish draft breed, there are both merits on the battlefield and work in agriculture. Written in the 1st c. BC. The Cuchulain Saga describes powerful chariot-drawn horses reminiscent of Irish draft horses. In the twelfth century the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland with their powerful war horses. Later, in the sixteenth century, trade links between southern Ireland and Spain brought a strong mixture of Spanish blood to the local horses. Irish draft horses were exported in large numbers to many armies in Europe from the medieval period onwards. During the First World War, Irish draft teams served on the front lines by the thousands.

For a hundred years (from 1850 to 1950) that Irish draft breed, which we know now, was basically formed. Agriculture in Ireland was mixed and farmers needed less heavy breeds popular throughout the rest of Europe. They were more suited to a horse that could work the ground, pull a gig at a leisurely trot to the church, and be suitable for fox hunting. Farmers needed horses that could ride under saddle all day long and jump over anything that got in their way.

Centennial selection has produced obedient, strong and economical animals. with good bones and a strong constitution, excellent stamina and an uncanny ability to jump.

All these qualities, when crossed with a purebred English, give the world-famous Irish hunters. This cross is now known as the Irish Sporting breed and has won gold medals and Grand Prix all over the world.

Unfortunately, the production of gunthers has led the Irish draft to almost complete extinction. Farm mechanization and the worldwide demand for gunthers and sport horses have driven the breed to the brink of extinction. It was more profitable for an Irish farmer to cover his best draft mares with Thoroughbred stallions than with purebred Irish stallions. Even the combined efforts of the Irish Draft Horse Society, founded in 1976, failed to restore the breed's former popularity and to this day it is considered endangered. There are only 2,000 purebred heads in the world.

All horses in Ireland may have an Irish registration number: Irish draft horses have an additional identification number on their papers in order to pass inspection. Imported animals are registered with the English Society and those bred at home are given a sequence of letters and numbers. The first letter is the rating, the next three to four digits are the breeder's number, the next "M" or "F" is the gender designation. Documents are stamped and signed on the back page when the horse is inspected and passed the test.

Famous representatives of the breed.

King of Diamonds(King of Diamonds). While every line of Irish draft horses produced famous show jumping and eventing horses, perhaps none produced as many as the line of the King of Diamonds. This red stallion was from Errigal and Ruby. He ranked seventh in the world rankings as a show jumper sire from 1990 to 1995. The world-famous show jumping horses Special Envoy, Mill Pearl and Millstreet Ruby were his descendants. Even though the King of Diamonds sadly passed away, he left behind many sons who steadfastly produce world-class show jumping champions. His influence will be felt for many years to come.

clover hill(Clover Hill). This bay stallion from Golden Beaker was in sixteenth place in the world rankings as a show jumper sire from 1990 to 1995. some of his descendants have reached world class including Cagney, Skyview and Flo Jo. It continues to produce show jumpers today and will no doubt influence sport horse breeding for many years to come.

Irish draft

History of the breed

The history of the Irish Warmblood horse is as much about military combat as it is about agriculture. They can be attributed not only to "warm-blooded", but also "draft", which is reflected in their name "Irish Draft". Sometimes they are referred to as "Irish dredges". Written in the first century BC, the Cuchulain Saga describes strong Irish-type war horses harnessed to a chariot. In the twelfth century, the Anglo-Normans came to Ireland. The latter used their own strong horses to form a cavalry army. Later in the 16th century, trade between Southern Ireland and Spain introduced Spanish blood to the local breed. Irish Warmblood horses were exported in large numbers to many European armies during the Middle Ages. Not so long ago - in the First World War, these horses were used on the fronts by the thousands.

During the hundred years from 1850 to 1950, this breed was most shaped and presented as we see it today. Ireland's agriculture developed without the particular need for heavy draft breeds that was characteristic of the rest of Europe. On the contrary, Irish farmers needed horses that would not only be able to work the land, but also be able to trot small carts and be suitable for hunting. A hunting horse was required that could withstand the daily work and be ready to jump anything that it met on the way.
As a result of centuries of breeding work, a horse was obtained with excellent sense organs, excellent bones and muscles, and excellent jumping abilities. Crossed with an English Thoroughbred, this breed produces the world famous Irish hunting horse. Nowadays, these hybrids are better known as "Irish Sport" horses that have become winners in sports competitions Worldwide.

Unfortunately, this successful breed, the founder of excellent sport horses, is close to decline. The mechanization of agriculture and the growing global demand for hunting and sporting horses are leading to the extinction of the Irish Dredge breed. It becomes more profitable for local farmers to cross the best Irish Warmblood mares with Thoroughbreds. English horses getting an Irish sport horse rather than breeding purebred Irish Warmblood stallions. Even despite the concerted efforts of the Irish Warmblood Association, founded in 1976, the existence of the breed is under threat, and its purebred population does not exceed two thousand worldwide.

Breed characteristics

Irish Dredges are active, muscular horses with short legs. Despite the fact that by their name they can be attributed to the harness, they are never very massive. They have good draft power, deep chest, strong croup and hind legs. Working on the most diverse soil, they have received an exceptionally strong and healthy constitution. Irish warm-blooded have a pleasant character and are smart enough, which determined their great susceptibility and sensitivity.

The movements of these horses are smooth and free, but without excessive breadth and heaviness, which is characteristic of draft breeds. They can have any basic suit, including gray. However, "socks" above the carpal joint are undesirable. The backbone must be sufficiently developed and strong. The average height of a stallion is from 155 to 166 cm, the average height of mares is from 152 to 162 cm at the withers.

Famous representatives of the Irish draft

King of Diamonds (King of Diamonds)
Nearly every Irish Warmblood line has produced well-known show jumpers and eventing horses, but the King of Diamonds has been the most successful. This bay stallion was obtained from Errigal and Rabi. He was ranked seventh in the world classification of show jumping horses from 1990 to 1995. He produced such well-known show jumping horses as the Special Envoy, Mill Pearl and Millstreet Raby. Despite the fact that he has already died, he left behind many successful world-class sons. Therefore, the influence of his blood will be felt for many years to come.

Clover Hill
This bay stallion from Golden Beaker was ranked sixteenth in the world show jumping sire classification from 1990 to 1995. Some of his world-class descendants are Kaney, SkyView and Flo Jo. He continues to produce horses to this day and, like King, will continue to influence the modern show jumping world for years to come.

Height: varies within a fairly wide range: from 1.35 m to 1.6 m.

Color: mostly piebald, but there are other colors. The top is covered with white spots. Under the main suit, the skin is usually gray, and under the white coat it is pink.

Exterior: hook-nosed profile, somewhat rough head with long ears, strong neck, small beard. Low withers, strong and steep shoulders. strong and strong legs with strong hooves. On the legs are beautiful long spectacular friezes. Sometimes the hind legs are characterized by a "cow posture". The tail, bangs and mane are lush and thick.

Usage: universal horses. Tinkers can be used both in a harness and in a saddle. Mares are used as nurses for Thoroughbred foals. Irish cob mares have a lot of milk and are distinguished by a calm disposition, which has a beneficial effect on the character of newborn foals.

Peculiarities: the nomadic life of the gypsies left its mark on the tinkers - they became strong, unpretentious and hardy. Gypsy draft horses have soft, very comfortable gaits. They are excellent jumpers.
Tinker (Irish Cob, Gypsy Harness) is a breed that was created in Ireland. Until recently, few people knew about gypsy draft horses, but today this breed is known all over the world, and its popularity is growing exponentially.
Tinkers are now at the peak of popularity in the US. They, along with representatives of the Friesian breed, are among the most expensive horses in the world. The cost of tinker and Friesian stallions ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. For comparison, an ordinary stallion costs about $800. The official name of the breed is the Gypsy Harness. "Tinker" is a popular name for this breed in Holland and Germany. In Ireland, in the homeland of gypsy draft horses, the very word "tinker" is considered offensive - this is how the gypsies are dismissively called. Therefore, in Ireland, the breed is known as the Irish Cob. Translated from in English, "kob" - a low, massive, well-knocked horse. Tinkers have very significant differences within the breed, but there are still some common features that are characteristic of all Irish kobs. First of all, it is a strong physique and relatively small size. Color can be any, but piebald is most common. Gypsy draft horses are famous for their long, thick, sometimes curly mane and tail, as well as the most magnificent brushes on the legs, which completely cover the hooves and start from the hock. In bad weather and mud, brushes protect the legs of kobs. The breed standard says: “a real kob should have mobility like a hacknee, brushes on its legs like Shires or Clydesdales, a head like a Welsh kob.” In the USA, tinkers are divided into 3 groups : “mini Gypsy” - horses whose height does not exceed 1.42 m, “classic Gypsy” - from 1.42 m to 1.55 m and “grand Gypsy” - representatives of the gypsy draft breed from 1.55 m and above. Tinkers are very calm and phlegmatic horses. Sometimes even too much - it is very difficult to stir them up. The Gypsy Harness is a great choice for beginner riders. In addition, it is not uncommon for racing racetracks to have complacent and calm Irish kobs accompany nervous horses to the starting boxes, reassuring them before the start of the competition. Tinker mares are often used as wet nurses for Thoroughbred foals, partly because their temperament is much calmer than that of Thoroughbreds.
Gypsies have long been considered excellent riders and true connoisseurs of horses. Among other things, they gave the world a new breed of shaggy horses, which, due to their external resemblance, are often confused with shires, although, in fact, they have very little in common.
An old gypsy cart and a tinker horseThe history of the settlement of gypsies in the Middle Ages is very vague - a nomadic lifestyle prevented the preservation of historical artifacts. It is only known for certain that at the beginning of the 15th century, in 1430, gypsies with their horses reached the British Isles. Here their paths crossed with tinkers - also "eternal vagabonds" who were engaged in metal processing. There is no more exact information about the tinkers. It can be assumed that they were also gypsies who settled in the British Isles a little earlier.
For a long time, tinkers and gypsies were at enmity. But in the end, these tribes became related, and the name "tinker" began to characterize each of them. On the new terrain, gypsy horses began to interbreed with representatives of local breeds, which ultimately led to the emergence of a new breed - tinker (gypsy draft, Irish cob). Almost all British breeds took part in the creation of the gypsy draft breed: Clydesdale, Felp, Dale, highland, shire. For a long time, gypsy draft horses were not singled out as a separate breed, since illiterate gypsies did not keep breeding records and did not start a stud book. Breeding work also left much to be desired. But after the status of an independent breed was given to Indian chubar horses in the USA, things finally got off the ground. Systematic and purposeful breeding of tinkers started after the Second World War.

Tinker (other names: Irish Cob, Gypsy Draft, Irish Working, Irish Pinto)- a breed of horse bred in Ireland. Tinker is the German and Dutch name for this breed. The Irish do not use it, as the gypsies consider this word offensive. Here, the name "kob" is more common. This term is understood as a horse with a small stature, squat, massive and tightly knocked down.

Not so long ago this breed was unknown. But now it's not like that at all. Kob is famous in almost every corner of the world and is becoming more and more popular. These animals are most popular in America. They, like the horses of the Friesian breed, have a very high cost. While a horse of a less famous breed is valued at up to a thousand dollars, a tinker or frieze costs from ten to twenty-five thousand dollars.

Characteristics of the Irish Cob breed

• The height of the horse of this breed is not high: their height can be from 1.35 to 1.6 meters.
• The weight of the Irish Cob also varies. from 240 to 700 kg.
• The color of the tinker is more often piebald, although other color options may occur. The three most common types are overo, tobiano, and tovero. Coloring wool provides for the presence of white spots. Skin Colour: Greyish under the base coat and pinkish where there are white patches. These animals can be forelock, roan or black with white spots.
• The Irish piebald has a massive rough head, a hump profile, long ears, a strong neck and a small beard, a powerful croup, a straight back, thick friezes that cover the entire hoof. The legs, shoulders and hooves of such an animal are strong and strong. In general, despite its relatively small stature, the kob has a wide body.
• The hair on the tail, bangs and mane is luxurious and thick.
• This breed is universal, since the options for its use are diverse. Firstly, such horses have long been used in teams, as evidenced by one of the many breed names - gypsy draft. A characteristic feature of the Kob as a heavy draft breed is its soft gait. Secondly, they are good for riding in the saddle, especially for a beginner. Thirdly, in the old days, tinkers were popular among the villagers for their endurance. Horses were helpers in hard rural work. Fourthly, the mares of this breed of horses are excellent nurses for foals of other purebred riding breeds. In addition to the abundance of milk that they can give to a foal, they have a rather calm character, which positively influences the formation of the temper of small foals.
• Due to the nomadic life of their gypsy owners, the horses of the Kob breed are quite hardy, strong and unpretentious. This type of horse has a beautiful soft gait and is also a good jumper.
• The only “minus” of horses of this breed is that they cannot gallop for a long time, as they quickly get tired.

External features of the breed

Although Irish Cob horses have a lot of differences among themselves, they also have common characteristics. These include:

• A dense physique with an average body size.
• The most common tinker color is piebald.
• Beautiful, thick, lush mane and tail, which in some cases can curl.
• Thick friezes covering almost the entire hoof.

Americans of all Irish kobs, depending on their height, are divided into three main groups:

1. If the height of the horse is up to 1.42 meters, this is a “mini Gypsy”.
2. If the height of the horse is from 1.43 to 1.55 meters - this is a "classic Gypsy".
3. If the height of the horse is from 1.56 meters - this is a Gypsy Gand.

The nature and disposition of the Irish Cob

By temperament, a horse of this breed can be classified as phlegmatic, because they have a calm disposition. This is a big "plus" for a beginner rider - the cob is well suited for learning to ride. But, on the other hand, it is not so easy to stir it up. Also, these horses are used at racetracks during races: good-natured and cold-blooded tinkers escort angry horses to the starting point. Next to a calm tinker, a nervous trotter calms down.

Photo of the breed

Some information from the history of the breed

Unfortunately, we know little about gypsy history, because almost no artifacts have survived to this day that could shed light on some unknown moments. It is known that this nomadic people, along with their horses, reached the British Isles in the 15th century. But these places were already occupied by other nomadic metalworking people. Because of this occupation, this people was called "tinkers". More data has not reached our days. Nobody knows who they are or where they came from. One theory suggests that they were also gypsies, but appeared in these places earlier.

For some time, enmity reigned between the two peoples, mainly due to kindred occupations. But over time, the enmity spilled over into the world and the two peoples became so close that both of them began to be called tinkers.

Gypsy horses also became related. This exchange of genes has led to the emergence of new breed horses - gypsy kob.

Of course, due to the wandering and poor life of the gypsies, their horses were intended more for work than for riding. But this breed is distinguished by its stunning beauty, as for a working animal.

Also, the gypsy kob is distinguished by great endurance. Indeed, in the conditions of nomadic life, they had neither good food nor stables, in most cases they were not savvy. These horses drove wagons all day long. There was also no talk of normal treatment - the sick horse was simply sold. In this regard, the Irish breed is very hardy and unpretentious.

The most common tinker suit is piebald. This is due to the fact that in the past, horses of this color were not held in high esteem, since it resembled the color of cows. They were considered a "marriage" and valued very cheaply. Gypsies bought them for pennies for work.

The indisputable advantage of such a suit is the unique color of each horse, making it easy to distinguish between them.

It was only after the Second World War that they began to seriously engage in breeding tinker horses.

The first official ancestor of the gypsy breed of horses is Kushti Bok. It was registered in 1996. At the same time, the Irish Cob Association was founded. This association registers individuals of the Tinker breed.