Irish Draughts in the hunting field

[chai]

Does anyone hunt an Irish Draught, or know of any notable Irish Draught Fox hunters in the States?

[gillenwaterfarm]

I know Kilkelly Farm and Bridon Irish Draughts hunt with thier Irish Draughtsin Virginia, but can't name a specific horse. There is an RIDSH stallion, Macha's Morpheus, who is the master of hounds main horse with a hunt in Maryland. Dandelion Diamond Rebel RID hunts with the HardAway Whitworth Hounds in the Deep South with his rider Melissa Mysing.

I hope others will chime in, as I know there are a bunch of them out there!

[Melelio]

Years ago I had a couple on consignment as foxhunters, and did hunt one guy, he was 18 at the time. What a comfy sofa he was to hunt!

I used to also train draft crosses and hunted them. LOFFED them! We had Clydes, Shires, Belgian and a Perch X who thought he was 'da bomb'. Trained them for jumpers, as well. But they were by far my favorite ride, in a barn full of TBs and these draftie Xs. I think I preferred the Belgian cross best, but there was one very special Clyde X mare. They I believe were all from draft mares, TB daddies. I know the clydies were.

I loved their minds. We had them out in the field 4 months after breaking (usually broke the 4 year olds). They went like seasoned horses!

[xeroxchick]

I do not.
However...
Lots of funny stories about people who go on a hunting vacation in Ireland who come back with a horse. Always goes something like this: greatest hunter they ever experienced, bought it, brought it to The States, give it lots of sweet feed and it doesn't get hunted five days a week anymore, horse scares everyone, horse is sold. One even kicked out all the windows of a big van horse carrier.
I think we should start a thread on Innocent Americans buying Irish horses.
Not that there's anything wrong with it.

[CANTEREOIN]

in the Eventer thread... you would have tons of responses from RID owners that event and fox hunt with their RID's. They are amazing XC horses... yeah... a bit opinionated, maybe bossy but safe, calm and can jump the moon.

I took lessons on a RID foxhunter... she would tote beginners around in lessons and fox hunt like a queen on the weekend. I love them.

[AilleXWest]

They are all I hunt. I do have to say since my famly breeds, trains and sells them I do have a reason to love them!

But I have seen then in almost all the hunts I have been too in the USA and Candana. The big hire barn here in NY has mostly Irish Sports.

They are a great all around horse.

[IrishRydr]

Irish Draughts and their 1/2 TB-cross relative, the Irish Hunter, are the best horses to have in the hunt field due to their soundness, temperment, and comfortable ride. I admit my bias, having lived in Ireland for 2 years, but I won't own anything else. They are the sweetest horses I have ever worked with and tend to have bombproof attitudes. They stay sound forever, they are big and attractive, and can be ridden by novice or beginner riders. Even with their size, they have enough blood to go first flight as the Irish Draught is bred to jump. My preference is the Irish Hunter due to having the TB cross. I could go on forever about Irish horses, but I would say to anyone who is thinking about buying an Irish horse for the hunt field is probably about to make the best decision!!!:D

[jsc]

I whip-in on my 9yo homebred ISH gelding. (Out of my TB mare by The Irish Rover). He is 17.2H- really too big for me at 5'3" - BUT- because he is so laid back and comfortable, I wouldnt think of selling him. (And I've had some pretty hefty offers after he was a Finalist in the 2005 N.A. Fieldhunter Championships!) He is realxed and easy to his jumps, has a huge , floaty trot , and a comfy canter. Because he's "backward bred", he doesnt have the drafty look- a finer head and body than some of the x's you see out of RID mares bred to TB's. Aside from growing up to be too tall, he is everything I was hoping for in an ISH.
O- And he LOVES his job! :-)

[EquineLoveSpell]

I'm really considering an Irish Draught or Irish Sport for my next mount. I need something sweet and athletic for trail riding and low level eventing. I'm really drawn to their personalities...

[crosscreeksh]

We keep selling our young Irish crosses before I get to hunt any!! Our new ISH stud colt will see action in the hunt field when he gets older as I've gotten to enjoy hunting more than showing!! They just have the best attitudes...and motors when needed.

[NZ Loopy Lu]

I have not had had the pleasure of hunting them but have two Irish Hunter mares (full sisters) who both have exemplary records on the hunt field. One also won a National young horse championship as a 4yo (against the best 4 year olds in the country) and the other won multiple saddle and working hunter championships. They are both with me as as broodmares :D - Lovely big upstanding horses with good heads and hearts.

[awm]

I have a 6yr. old purebred by Grange Bouncer out of a Flagmount King mare. She was
foaled in Ireland, & imported as a 3yr.old.
Grange Bouncer hunts & competes in Ireland, several of us from Geneseo have hunted
this fabulous horse when we visit our friends in Wexford! I was determined to get a
horse to the States by Bouncer, & bought this mare as a foal.
She hunted as a 4yr. old, in the field and whipping-in, also in foal to a T-bred!
She's back in the field for this season, very steady, great with her feet, will jump
any boggy place! Of course, loves ditches & banks! Probably will jump wire (!) &
does do all paneling happily.
They are intelligent horses, so while being willing & steady, they need an intelligent
rider!
They come highly recommended in my book!

[jsc]

I have a 6yr. old purebred by Grange Bouncer out of a Flagmount
They are intelligent horses, so while being willing & steady, they need an intelligent
rider!
!

LOL! I know exactly what you mean. My guy likes to test every new person- likes to push the envelop to see what he can and cannot get away with with each human he meets- but only the first time. Not a buck in him, but a timid rider probably would not get far with him- he'd merely plant his four feet to the ground and refuse to move! But, once a rider is tested and the horse s made to understand that he is NOT in charge, he's fine.
What I like is that he's not a hot-head, nothing seems to phase him, and he goes on the buckle 90% of the time. :-)

[wateryglen]

Seems like every hunt in Northern Virginia has at least one. They are very popular but expensive. I second the quality stock from Bridon Drafts in our area. I've lusted after theirs for years.

[EquineLoveSpell]

Where should one look for a quality Irish Draught? I'm thinking a 2 year old filly, not started, doesn't have to have any super fancy bloodlines, but should be good quality in the heart, mind and conformation...

[gillenwaterfarm]

Start with the breeders listed at www.irishdraught.com the website for the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America. The website will also have both pure and part breds listed for sale on the Sales pages.

[Carol Ames]

Jan Reutz imported one;) just before her death:(:cry:, and gave him to a lady out that way, middleburg/purcellville :yes:who, hunts with Snickersville; Cammie Eaton also in Middleburg also imports them :yes:for resale to foxhunters.

[lucky dog farm]

I LOVE my guys. I own a mare that is an Irish import and 2 of her sons. One full draught and the other an sport horse. Just wonderful wonderful horses. My Husband who does not have a clue which end of a horse is the good end will lead our big mare in from the paddock. She has never taken advantage of him and for that matter treats him like a foal being very careful NOT to step on him. She can be a bargy girl with more knowlegeable people. Just sighs and lets him take her halter off before she hits her tiny little bit of grain.

[yellowbritches]

I have a 6yr. old purebred by Grange Bouncer out of a Flagmount King mare. She was
foaled in Ireland, & imported as a 3yr.old.
Grange Bouncer hunts & competes in Ireland, several of us from Geneseo have hunted
this fabulous horse when we visit our friends in Wexford! I was determined to get a
horse to the States by Bouncer, & bought this mare as a foal.

We had a fabulous Grange Bouncer baby that was imported to event. He was imported as 5 yr. old and already had an extensive hunting career, including one great tale of his breeder's husband getting a bug up his butt and jumping the horse over a six rail, aluminum gate as a 3 yr. old (which he did easily). He is a fantastic horse with a great brain...sadly, he didn't hold up for the upper levels, but is now doing the Big Eq (and loves it). It is so cool to hear that there our others by his daddy in the states! And that they are just as nice.

I'm hardly and experienced hunter, but my favorite horse to hunt was an ISH. We had several for awhile with varying degrees of TB that were all great hunters. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with hunting, but I have always had a good day if it was on the back of an Irish horse.

[PaddyUK]

I'm really considering an Irish Draught or Irish Sport for my next mount. I need something sweet and athletic for trail riding and low level eventing. I'm really drawn to their personalities...

I have a pure bred ID by King of Diamonds and an ISH with KoD as grandsire.

Brilliant horses! As well as hunting mine have evented, showjumped and now do dressage all at affiliated level.

Quirky personalities, they won't be bullied, they like a discussion!:lol:

Would not swap my 2 lads for the world.

Paddy

[Heart River]

Absolutely the best breed there is. I hunted with the County Louth hounds for six hours on a 20-year-old mare who kept up to the end - and got me over the ditches without even scaring me. They jump, they're smart, they're solid as rock.

Only .... as someone said, don't import one and then feed it like a dumbblood and expect it to be the same as it was at home. A friend did that - she said the gentleman who sold her the horse said, "And don't be giving him that jet fuel you Americans feed," but she didn't follow instructions - and ended up selling him because he was way too much for her.

And, as fun as it is to jump three-year-olds, in Ireland they don't even start young horses until they're at least four - which is why they're still hunting hard at 20.

[armandh]

I do not.
However...
Lots of funny stories about people who go on a hunting vacation in Ireland who come back with a horse. Always goes something like this: greatest hunter they ever experienced, bought it, brought it to The States, give it lots of sweet feed and it doesn't get hunted five days a week anymore, horse scares everyone, horse is sold. One even kicked out all the windows of a big van horse carrier.
I think we should start a thread on Innocent Americans buying Irish horses.
Not that there's anything wrong with it.

yep that is how it goes like sugared up 2yo children
see below

[awm]

Yellowbritches: That isn't Beal na Blath (sp!) is it?
I saw him for sale in the COTH---

p.s.
Hi Megan!

[IrishKharma]

I took my then 4 yr old RID gelding to a hunt clinic when I was 5 months pregnant. It wasn't a good idea! But I am looking forward to the next hunt season to take him. He's now 6 and a little more mature.

[Heart River]

Yo, AWM - you saying Hi to me?

I refer to Heart as my $2500 Irish Draught - he's everything I wanted, but I only had to import him from North Dakota.

[awm]

YR, I was saying hi to another Megan on board---I'm breeding my mare to her
Irish Draught stallion!

The poster who talked about Bouncer's rider jumping over an iron gate probably
was right---down in Killinick, some do start horses early!
I was hunting there with friends in Feb.---we were mounted on Bouncer, a 3yr. old
stallion by Bouncer, a 4yr. old stallion, (I forget who the sire is) & Jack, on a Bouncer
5yr. old gelding! I took videos of all, but didn't do pix, unfortunately!

[Oscar&Beanie]

I have a 7 year old Irish import by Diamond Clover who we hunted in Ireland before bringing him over. My son has been eventing him all summer and I plan to start hunting him after their last event in September. Lovely horse to ride cross country - goes in a big fat snaffle and has a big, brave jump.
We also have a HUGE bay ID/TB yearling filly by Sea Quest, and a lovely grey 15.3h 3 year old Connemara/TB by Irish Park's Belfast Bonfire who I hope will also make up into nice hunters/eventers. Love the Irish horses !

[witherbee]

Love my RID gelding! I don't hunt per say, but do hunter pace and trail ride as well as show in the hunters. He's by Rockrimmon Silver Diamond, who is back in Ireland out of Pearl Drop (by Castana). I second checking out the breeders on the NA Irish Draught site. I also agree that too much sweet feed is a bad idea, but my guy never gets high even when not ridden regularly. I love that about him and can throw him on a trailer and go regardless of whether or not we've been in regular work (of course I would not overwork him if he is not fit, but for a trail ride or to ship in for a lesson is fine). My job is such that I am away at times and find it hard ot get into a routine - my RID has no problem with that. He's also great with our herd and is a SUPER babysitter for weanling foals. He's worth his considerable weight in gold lol!
Here are some pictures of my guy - unfortunately the farm that I purchased him from does not sell RIDs anymore (the owner passed away and the herd was dispersed).
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/wtryan/Our%20horses/?action=view&current=100_3165.jpg
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/wtryan/Our%20horses/?
action=view&current=100_3198.jpg
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/wtryan/Our%20horses/?action=view&current=100_3159.jpg
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/wtryan/Our%20horses/?action=view&current=100_3157.jpg
http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i245/wtryan/Our%20horses/?action=view&current=100_3155.jpg
I wish I has some jumping pictures - he has an amazing jump!

[Outfox]

I've hunted 2 "King of Diamonds" horses over the past couple of years. They are athletic and keen. Good Jumpers!

However, if the hounds are on a coyote, or if the country has a lot of elevation, or even worse both, these horses can run out of gas. That is unless you are diligent enough to condition them for a CCI***.:D

[Weatherford]

I've hunted 2 "King of Diamonds" horses over the past couple of years. They are athletic and keen. Good Jumpers!

However, if the hounds are on a coyote, or if the country has a lot of elevation, or even worse both, these horses can run out of gas. That is unless you are diligent enough to condition them for a CCI***.:D

That depends on whether they are pure draught or Sport Horse (draught/TB cross)... or Clover Hill (who was registered pure draft but actually out of a TB mare) .. or Sea Crest/Cruising breeding...

The Sport Horses don't run out of gas - mostly because of the TB in them... And they all can jump!!

I love them - have 8 (ouch) - three of which are preggers right now!!! ;)

[Oscar&Beanie]

That depends on whether they are pure draught or Sport Horse (draught/TB cross)... or Clover Hill (who was registered pure draft but actually out of a TB mare) .. or Sea Crest/Cruising breeding...

The Sport Horses don't run out of gas - mostly because of the TB in them... And they all can jump!!

I love them - have 8 (ouch) - three of which are preggers right now!!! ;)


I can vouch for the both the Clover Hill and Sea Crest bloodlines not running out of gas... Our big guy from Ireland is a Clover Hill grandson ( with Ballinvella on the dam side) and he just doesn't get tired. He is a long, tall drink of water (17.1) and can go all day. We have not seen anywhere close to the bottom of him yet. Our Sea Quest ( son of Sea Crest) filly is looking like she will be the same type - no "off button" on her. But her TB dam is also from tough lines - she is a daughter of Great Gladiator, and has the blood of the excellent broodmare, Wavy Navy, flowing in her veins.

[AilleXWest]

My ISH never gets tired. I have raced him point to point and he dose great. We have had a fun time and he has gotten me ready to race TB next year.

I have hunted him for years and at the end of the day when the TB's are barly walking home he is up and ready to keep going. He has to be the best horse I have ever had to keep fit. Even after a few weeks off he is almost as fit as the last day on was on him.

[Drvmb1ggl3]

That depends on whether they are pure draught or Sport Horse (draught/TB cross)... or Clover Hill (who was registered pure draft but actually out of a TB mare) .. or Sea Crest/Cruising breeding...



Mild correct, but needs to be said... Clover Hill was indeed a full reg'ed ID but he was by a TB stallion, Golden Beaker.

As Weatherford pointed out, the Irish halfbred hunter, essentially a TB/ID cross (and more commonly called an ISH nowadays) is the quintessential hunting horse. It has no peer in the hunt field. It is to hunting what the QH is to cutting cattle, or the Arab is to endurance.

[Equibrit]

That would be called an IDXTB!
Jumbo is a perfect example. http://www.grafhamstud.co.uk/

[finaleafarm]

RIDSH Macha's Morpheus is an excellent fox hunter. The Master/huntsman of the Middlebrook Hounds, Fred Getty, hunts him 3-2 times a week .........also, he won the 2006 foxhunting award from the IDH Association. He's is located in Middlebrook,Virginia.

I have a daughter to this stallion and LOVE her. She is smart,sane and very talented. There was a big write up in the Blarney magazine about him...so you could get more information from there.

[Marcella]

I have an Irish Sport Horse. I haven't had the opportunity to hunt him yet, but he is incredibly level headed. I also have an Irish TB, who on the other hand, while built like a tank, is sometimes not playing with a full deck of cards.

I don't think I will own another horse that isn't an ISH.

[Foxtrot's]

My friend gelded her wonderful, horse of a lifetime, Irish Sporthorse stallion, To Be Sure, I'm sorry to say. (He is doing well showjumping and she just felt she wanted to concentrate on that rather than him being all guy and working around breeding schedules). But if there is one quality he passed on, it is the Irish mentality - they are a joy to be around. All her youngstock are kind, but have equal amounts of "go" and "whoa". No wonder people rave over their breed and I do hope it does not get ruined and stays true to its type.

[LaoiseNic]

I've hunted 2 "King of Diamonds" horses over the past couple of years. They are athletic and keen. Good Jumpers!

However, if the hounds are on a coyote, or if the country has a lot of elevation, or even worse both, these horses can run out of gas. That is unless you are diligent enough to condition them for a CCI***.:D

I can assue you not all R.I.D.s run out of gas :) My boy is 16 now and still leaves the TBs behind at the end of the day (usually the TBs are stuck on the other side of a bank or ditch :lol:) There is nothing like hunting an I.D. Its their job and they know it!!!!

[My2cents]

My friend and I used to ride in Ireland with Charlie O'Neill (and the Kildare Hunt). Even though we basically 'met' our horses the morning of the hunt or for cubbing, I was NEVER fearful because I knew my horse would be sure and steady. Now I own a 1/2 Irish Draught & 1/2 English Tb (born in Canada) and he is sooo true to the Draughts I rode in Ireland, I'm a total convert and wouldn't want another breed. He recently underwent colic surgery and during his 'recovery' time at the vet hospital, the reports I got back from the staff and dr's. was that he is such a love bug for human contact. My farrier calls him a cross between a Newfoundland and a horse. My boy's Irish line is King of Diamonds and true to that line, he's a jumper that loves it. Once jumped a four foot high electric tape (with an easy boot on) because he wanted to scratch on his tree that was on the other side of the tape. He took one trot step to gather himself and launched over without a hiccup and perfect form. Go Irish.

[Thomas_1]

We've had quite a few over time and here's my wife on one and whilst out hunting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/flodden_edge/hunting/79cfre2.jpg

[Foxtrot's]

Wow - even George Morris would have trouble critiquing that!

[Outfox]

I can assue you not all R.I.D.s run out of gas :) My boy is 16 now and still leaves the TBs behind at the end of the day (usually the TBs are stuck on the other side of a bank or ditch :lol:) There is nothing like hunting an I.D. Its their job and they know it!!!!

I think I need to re-qualify my earlier statement. The hills that we hunt in California would be called mountains in any other part of the country. So yes, on our "hills" I.D.'s can run out of gas.

They are still very fun to hunt, if you are diligent about how you use there energy.

[crosscreeksh]

Well I can hardly wait until our ISH colt is old enough to start hunting! I've hunted mostly TB's and TB/Clydes, but the ISH seems to be a great cross. The 1/2 TB shines through...he's a great mover and very athletic, but an absolute SANE, sweetheart. He has actually sprouted up 5 inches in the past 7 months, too!!

[Screebe]

This has been a fun thread for me to read. I just lost my own imported ISH this summer to colic. I've never owned a horse who tried more than he did to please his owner. I doubt I'll ever find another like him.

As for hunting, don't get me started. I am a hunter rider who came rather late to the sport--the first time I ever hunted was in Ireland five years ago. Five minutes into the hunt, and we're jumping a 3-6 stone wall off the road into a pasture with a muddy drop beyond. And that was just the start of it. My six-year-old ISH took care of me that day, just as every Irish horse I've ever hunted has taken care of me since. Stamina, surefootedness, jumping ability, temperament, this is one breed which brings the whole package.

[leslie645]

Gosh, this is a fun thread to read! I cant wait for my RID filly to be old enough to go hilltopping:0 looking forward to next year! She is sooo sane and sweet. nothing fazes her.

[carolinagirl191]

Well I haven't found the bottom on this guy yet, but we are headed to Live Oak for the weekend and they are reported to have 10-16 mile coyote runs:eek:, so we shall see.:)

http://erikolsenphotography.exposuremanager.com/p/white_oak_creek/woc-036_16_1_2_11_3_4

http://erikolsenphotography.exposuremanager.com/p/opening_meet6/gom08-1838

[pleasantmeadowfarm]

Currently one of the masters of the AVH is out on his big ole Irish Draught (or ISH - looks full draught though).

I miss my 3/4 draught I imported from Ireland. Hunter one season as a 4 year old... went over on a vaca. with friends and yup, he was on a plane three weeks later. Didn't realize how green he was, but with his laid back personality, he was fun, fun, fun. We did everything together - except Hunt. He was trianed through Third Level dressage, we Evented at Beginner Novice and went around the Hunter ring with aplomb. Such versatile animals. Half asleep in the start box at each Event, but as soon as the buzzer went off he was all business.... kept my butt in the tack on many an occassion.

Now that I've finally begun Hunting I desperately wish I had him around. I'm out on my Oldenburg mare who is figuring it out and oh so willing... but my Irish boy was made for the Hunt field. They're awesome! Smart, careful and more athletic than most would give them credit for. True do it all mounts!

[awm]

Carolinagirl, is that you on the grey, whipping in?

Is that Tot Goodwin?!!!!!

I want to hunt with you all! You all look like you're having the best time & your
Hounds are, too!

Have fun with Live Oak!

[beanie&boomer]

You know I am told that some of the Cleveland Bays born off-color or with extra white ended up in Ireland labelled as Irish Draughts.

What you all say about your fabulous Irish horses seems to ring true also about my Cleveland crosses. They seem born with a "hunting gene" and just get it right from the start.

I am also a fan of Dandelion Diamond Rebel whom I have seen hunting with the Potomac MFH...

[carolinagirl191]

awm you have a PM