"The development of the Irish Draught is traced from the seventeenth century, when the Irish Hobby was transformed into a warm blooded light draught horse. The fortunes of the evolving breed are followed as political, economic and social developments impacted upon horses and horse breeding. The future of the breed in the new millennium is assessed and blood lines and pedigrees are discussed. The importance of Irish Draught blood in the breeding of show jumpers is emphasised." "This is a book for all who are interested in Irish history, in the equine heritage of the country and in the development of a distinctive breed of fine horses. It should also appeal to those concerned with the historical and developing geography of animal breeds."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

It was in Ireland that the Irish Draught horse first appeared as a distinct breed. It has a reputation for being adaptable, powerful, and mild-mannered. These horses are bred for a wide variety of equestrian uses, but their primary purpose is in agriculture, particularly as working horses on farms. Among the most distinguishing features of the Irish Draught horses are: - Irish Draught horses are built for hard work, such as plowing fields or pulling heavy loads, due to their strength and stamina. - Extremely adaptable, these horses thrive in a wide range of equestrian activities from show jumping and dressage to eventing and even hunting. They are also bred with other horse breeds in an effort to improve the overall species. - Irish Draught horses have a laid-back and sociable demeanor that makes them great for riding in a variety of settings. They have a reputation for being calm and easygoing. - Conformationally, these horses are typically of good size and proportion, with strong backs and healthy legs. Their broad, short head and large, expressive eyes set them apart. - Coat Color: Irish Draught horses come in various coat colors, including gray, bay, and chestnut, among others. The breed's history can be traced back several centuries in Ireland, where they were developed to meet the agricultural and transportation needs of the time. Despite the fact that their use in farming has decreased as a result of mechanization, Quarter Horses remain a popular breed thanks to their many desirable qualities and their role in the development of other horse breeds. Irish horses come in a variety of forms, including the more common Irish Draught and the more modern Irish Sport Horse. Incorporating the Draught's strength and temperament with the agility of lighter horse breeds, this crossbreed is bred for performance in show jumping, eventing, and dressage.

The Irish draught is an icon in the Irish landscape. It was the workhorse which pulled the farmer's plough, took the family to church, hunted, was a commercial draft animal and pulled artillery. Today the Irish draught is used for hunting, pleasure, and competition, much valued by a new generation of owners. Here the story of the 'horse of the people' is told before facts and details vanish forever. It is illustrated with wonderful images.

A must-have book for horse enthusiasts. The lives of humans and horses have been intricately linked for thousands of years, with equines depicted in cave paintings dating back to 5000BC. Horses have been developed by humans for many purposes - for war, for working in the field and in industry, for competitive sports events such as the Olympic Games, and as pets. Horses covers the world's most charismatic and iconic breeds, from the noble Arab and Akhal-Teke, through working breeds such as the mighty Percheron and diminutive Fell pony, to 'primitive' equines such as Przewalski's Horse and the Polish Konik. Each breed entry showcases a unique and beautiful equine breed, showing it in magnificent full-colour photographs; these are accompanied by a historical account of the breed's origins and history. More than 70 amazingly diverse breeds are featured.

A New History of Ireland is the largest scholarly project in modern Irish history. In 9 volumes, it provides a comprehensive new synthesis of modern scholarship on every aspect of Irish history and prehistory, from the earliest geological and archaeological evidence, through the Middle Ages, down to the present day. Volume VII covers a period of major significance in Ireland's history. It outlines the division of Ireland and the eventual establishment of the Irish Republic. It provides comprehensive coverage of political developments, north and south, as well as offering chapters on the economy, literature in English and Irish, the Irish language, the visual arts, emigration and immigration, and the history of women. The contributors to this volume, all specialists in their field, provide the most comprehensive treatment of these developments of any single-volume survey of twentieth-century Ireland.