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Irish Horse Articles
- A Look at the Gypsy CobThe history of the Gypsy Cob is steeped in the traditions of the Romany people of Europe. More commonly referred to as Gypsies in this country, the Romany people (which does not refer to Romania as many people think) take great pride in their horses. Unfortunately, due to the lack of written records on the breed, most of what is known of the Gypsy Cob has been passed down from generation to generation through the spoken word.
- Irish Cob HistorySome historians would trace the Irish travellers and their cobs back in history to 200 AD or even as early as 600 BC when metal-workers travelled the country with their families in horsedrawn caravans or "barrel top wagons". In fact, their very day-to-day existance depended on these animals that were part of their family, tied to the wagons which they pulled by day from village to town.
- The ConnemaraThe willing nature and ground covering stride of the Connemara make them an ideal prospect for equine sports. And, if you think that their small size won’t get you noticed out there in the land of the Warmbloods—think again! Some of the stars in the dressage arena have been Erin Casco Bay, who won at Intermediaire I, and Big Bear’s Katie O’Hara, who is a 14.2-hand purebred schoolmaster who won at Third and Fourth levels in dressage with a 13-yearold rider.
- History of the Connemara PonyWhile the history of the Connemara is obscure it is considered Ireland ’s only native breed. The Ancient Celts brought toe ponies to Connemara more than 2,500 years ago and used them to draw war charriats and carts along the beaches of their new found home. Legend has it that when the Spanish Armada sank off the Connemara coast in the 16 th Century, the horses swam to shore and bred with the native ponies running wild in the mountains.
- Famous ConnemarasThe Connemara has a natural jumping ability, and its build is suitable for dressage. They often beat larger horses with staying power, intelligence and heart. As a show jumper or working hunter, in eventing, western pleasure, endurance and driving – Connemaras can do it all!
- The Irish
Draught Horse: The Argument for ConservationIt is interesting to note that the overall level of inbreeding in the Irish herd has jumped significantly in the years since 1991, when performance testing of stallions was instituted. The ICBF data is viewed by many as confirmation of something long suspected—there is decreasing genetic diversity in the Irish Draught herd and it is likely that a significant factor in this trend is stallion selection. Stallion selection is affected by many factors, among them the political, cultural and economic atmosphere of the times, along with geographic location.
- The Irish Draught Horse: A Horse for all SeasonsIt is difficult to name one compelling trait of the Irish Draught,” says Rachael Cox, Information Officer of the Irish Draught Horse Society of North America (IDHSNA). “The whole package is a delightful one; kindness, willingness, tremendous ability to do the job you ask, and humor, very important to an Irish Draught. Simply put, they are great horses to be with, work with and live with.”
- Irish Draught Horse Breed Development ProjectAs part of its commitment to the preservation of native Irish species and to retain the basis of what was the Irish Sport horse type, the Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs have instigated and funded a study of the Irish Draught Horse population.
The findings of a preliminary study of the Irish Draught Horse (IDH) herd have indicated that the number of Irish Horse Board approved out-cross Draught Stallions available to Irish breeders is decreasing at an alarming rate. The study also found that inbreeding in the IDH population has been increasing at the rate of 0.04% per year since 1979. 38% of the registered Draughts born between 2000 and 2003 were inbred at levels ranging from 1 to 14%. A breakdown by status showed that 36% of stallions (22), 39% of male foals (516) and 37% of all females (801) born in this period were inbred.
- Genetic Diversity of the Irish Draught Horse Angela McGahern, Patrick Brophy, David MacHugh & Emmeline Hill
Genetic diversity of the Irish Draught Horse population and preservation of pedigree lines.
Although natural selection was an important factor in the development of the Irish Draught Horse population, human influence has been the strongest contributor. The focus of horse breeding in Ireland shifted from the production of a multipurpose farm horse to one capable of producing athletic sport-oriented progeny.
Given breeders’ different ideals, variation in certain characteristics was inevitable. In addition, as a consequence of the frequent lack of indepth pedigree knowledge coupled with the overuse of a few fashionable stallions with currently “desirable” characteristics, the demise of many old pedigree lines was inevitable. This has resulted in further limiting the breed’s gene pool.
Irish Horse Books
Irish Draught Horse
The Irish Draught Horse: A History
by Mary McGrath, Joan C. Griffith
Product Details
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Collins Press (October 15, 2005)
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 10.0 x 9.9 x 0.8 inches
The Irish Draught Horse is unique in the world and is an icon in the Irish landscape. The foundation breed for the world-famous Irish hunter, it has never been the subject of a comprehensive book. Historicially, the horse was so much part of the landscape it tended to blend into the background. But today the horse is a luxury, a leisure and competition horse much valued by a new generation of horse owners. Here the story of the 'horse of the people' is told before facts and details vanish forever, in this first complete account of its cultural and historical significance. The contributors trace its evolution as a working horse through to its almost overnight disappearance with 1960s mechanization. Illustrated with wonderful images, this will be the cherished book of record for this subject.
Connemara Pony
The Connemara Pony
- Allen Guides to Horse & Pony Breeds
by Anne Rolinson
Product Details:
Paperback: 23 pages
Publisher: Not Avail (January 2001) Language: English
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 7.0 x 9.2 inches
This book, written by a leading breeder, judge and producer, provides a fascinating insight into the breed's origins and performance, explaining how to buy, keep and care for the Connemara. Illustrated with specially researched photographs, it gives a unique and authoritative picture which will appeal to all native pony enthusiasts.
Irish Cob
Gypsy Horses and the Travelers' Way
John Stephen Hockensmith
Product Details
Hardcover: 184 pages
Hardbound Edition
Language: English
Product Dimensions: 9.25” x 12”
Also available in limited edition format
From tales told by the light of stick fires to the drumbeat of hooves through morning rain, this lavishly illustrated volume reveals the mystery and magic embraced by Romani Gypsies. Through stunning images, lyrical prose and moving poetry, renowned equine photographer John Stephen Hockensmith invites readers on a unique journey across cultural boundaries to celebrate the centuries-old rituals of horse trading and spiritual renewal at Appleby Fair.
Hockensmith gained rare entree into this secluded world when he was invited to join a prominent Gypsy family in 2004 and 2005 during the annual horse-drawn pilgrimage over sixty miles through picturesque villages, along busy modern highways and into verdant pastures where time seems to have stopped. When Hockensmith and readers reach Appleby Fair—a boisterous gathering that first took place more than 300 years ago—they have shared a penetrating insight into a way of life that has been much misunderstood but is cherished by the Gypsies with the same fierce pride they maintain for their colorful horses.
