SHE was no more than 16hh, a nimble short-coupled grey mare, wearing a DIY blue rope halter and proudly skipping alongside her new owner. He led this Ballinasloe Fair purchase though the open window of a Ford Cortina that made more noise than her hooves - that’s how I can pinpoint my first Draught sighting. Temperament, unmistakable template - no question that she was an Irish Draught.

Last week saw a new Irish President in Phoenix Park; this week, the release of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) 2025 sire rankings. Good timing to follow up on the recent “What is an Irish Sport Horse?” article by asking the same question about one of our native breed.