Preservation of the traditional characteristics of the Irish Draught
Horse population worldwide
This project aimed to phenotypically characterise the worldwide Irish Draught Horse population in
order to preserve the traditional characteristcs of this rare breed. Studbook inspections provide a
large amount of information on Irish Draughts encompassing a wide variety of traits. This project
involved a number of stages. An analysis of the phenotypic characteristics of Irish Draught mares in
Ireland was carried out using the linear profiles for conformation, type and movement generated
during studbook inspections (n = 529). A key finding is that 23% of mares were described by
inspectors as not being of breed standard. This analysis also showed that a significantly higher
proportion of genetically diverse mare exhibited deficiencies in conformation, type and movement.
The linear profiles of Irish Draught stallions inspected in 2012 in Ireland and in Great Britain were
analysed and showed that there does not appear to be significant differences in phenotypes
between the two countries. The height, girth and bone of inspected Irish Draught stallions born since
1970 were assessed and confirm anecdotal evidence that the breed has become lighter over time
and that there has been some erosion of traditional breed characteristics. On the basis of the
research, it is recommended that linear profiling continues to be used as a source of phenotypic
information on Irish Draught horses worldwide and that the results continue to be monitored
carefully to identify individuals with exceptional traditional characteristics that may be of interest to
breeders worldwide. Harmonised inspection systems are a vital part of this process.
Project Coordinator: Ms Alison Corbally