"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

"The Irish draught horse is unique in the world and an icon in the Irish landscape. The contributors trace its evolution as a working horse through to its almost overnight disappearance with 1960s mechanisation. Illustrated with wonderful images, this will be the cherished book of record for this subject."--BOOK JACKET.

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.

A comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the fascinating natural history of the horse, from prehistory to the present There are countless books about keeping and riding horses. The Horse is different: it looks not only at the natural history of the horse in the context of its use by humans, but also at its own, independent story, describing the way horses live, think, and behave both alongside people and on their own. Beautifully designed and illustrated, The Horse provides an engaging and accessible introduction to these beloved animals. Beginning with evolution and development, The Horse tells how horses came into being more than fifty million years ago and were first domesticated more than five thousand years ago, eventually spreading across the globe. Chapters on Anatomy & Biology and Society & Behavior explain equine anatomy and how it has affected the lives and social structure of horses, and outline current scientific thinking on their behavior as individual and herd animals, including information on communication between horses. A chapter on Horses & People provides a thorough overview of the horse’s many important roles in human history and today, from pack animal to sporting champion. Finally, the book ends with an engrossing and visually stunning photographic gallery of some fifty popular breeds of horses and ponies with essential information about each. Filled with surprising facts and insights, this book will delight anyone who loves horses and wants to understand them better. Provides a comprehensive, richly illustrated introduction to the evolution, development, domestication, and behavior of the horse—from life cycle, breeding, coats and colors, and the senses to courtship, parenting, communication, emotions, and learning Tells the full story of horses, from their earliest fossil ancestors to the modern-day Equus Offers a detailed survey of how horses and humans have interacted since horses were domesticated, including their use for work and war in the past and recreational and competitive riding today Features infographics, diagrams, and more than 250 stunning color photographs Includes a beautiful photographic directory to some 50 popular breeds

Updated for today’s beginning horse enthusiasts! If you’re just getting into the world of horses, there’s a lot to learn! Horses For Dummies gets beginning-level riders and aspiring first-time horse owners up to speed on all things equine! From selecting the right horse for you to feeding, grooming, and handling a horse, this book covers it all! Featuring updates on breeds, boarding, nutrition, equipment, training, and riding—as well as new information on various equine conditions—this resource shows you how to keep your horse happy and take your riding skills to the next level. Features updated safety information Includes more riding disciplines Offers tips for better nutrition for your horse Provides grooming and training recommendations If you’re crazy about horses, this hands-on guide is all you need to giddy up and go!