In the early 1970s in Ireland, farming was modernising and on many farms the few mares kept were being sold. It was a common sight at fairs to see lovely brood mares going for meat, to the distress of the men who were obliged to sell them. As the demand was for half and three quarter-bred horses, the Irish Draught mares were not being replaced by pure-bred daughters. Many people said something should be done before it was too late and we had lost our special Irish horse, which had been so valued for centuries that their export to the Continent had been forbidden by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, as he didn’t want his soldiers to have to fight against them in war.

Founding members: Front row: Mrs. Mary Quinlan and Mr. Jamie O'Callaghan. Back row: (l to r) Mr. Billy Cotter, Ms. Jane Quinlan, Mr. Jerry Coakley, Ms. Sarah Quinlan and Mr. Pat Fitzgerald. Inset Mr. Michael O'Reilly

Society is formed
Mary Quinlan lived in Farran, Co Cork and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Irish Draught breed. She had become very worried by the decline in Irish Draught numbers. One day in 1975 when she was visiting Eugene O’ Callaghan, who stood The King of Diamonds’ brother, Slyguff Hero, the subject of the Irish Draught mares came up again. They agreed to try to do something about saving the breed, and a number of interested people were invited to her house at Farran near Cork.

Everyone was very enthusiastic and a public meeting was planned to be held in Dunmanway, West Cork. That meeting was noisy, hot, and even more enthusiastic – the Irish Draught Horse Society was on its way.

The Irish Draught Horse Society (IDHS) was established in 1976. The IDHS was created with the sole intention of preventing the breed from becoming extinct. Dedicated enthusiasts of the breed saved it from its almost certain demise. Today, we celebrate the growing popularity of the breed as well as its success in the performance arena. There are Branches of the society in every corner of Ireland, and affiliated groups in Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, the U.S.A. and Canada.

Ever since show jumping had its birth here in Ireland and went on to become an international sport, the Irish Draught Horse has always played a major role. The even temperament, athleticism and durability of the breed, crossed with a good thoroughbred has created a potent mix which is well up to the demands of today's equestrian sports and is the foundation breed for the Irish sport horse. The Irish Draught is versatile by nature and can be found competing in dressage, eventing, jumping, driving, and showing in-hand. A truly all around breed which can be enjoyed by every member of the family.

Our goal continues to be to preserve, promote, protect, and improve the Irish Draught Horse, on Irish shores as well as anywhere it is found throughout the world.

Click here to read more about the history.