3 comments about The Irish Draught Horse: A History.

1. Dairy farms operated by my near and distant relatives dated from the late-1800s to the mid-1900s, with their farms resting in a small geographical location on U.S. soil. Because many relatives were first and second-generation Irish Americans, I assume their farming methods imitated those in Ireland. Horses on the farms were big, especially by my small-tyke standards. Work horses they were called, not Irish Draught horses, but they did the same thing and looked just like the horses in our book. Maybe their sires and dams emigrated from Ireland. I'll never know. The horses and relatives are gone. When my father was young, work horses pulled the plow and pulled the wagon to church on Sunday, which is what the Irish Draught did. These recollections provided enough impetus to pique my interest in McGrath's and Griffith's book.
   
   So we're off on a journey to acquaint ourselves with the noble Irish Draught horse, whose lofty perch in Ireland's cultural history rests up there with the leprechauns and fairies, the thatched roof and the clover. For the Irish Draught was and is a focus of myth and folklore, with names of Celtic pagan gods frequently deriving from equine creatures. The husband of goddess Aine boasted the name Echdae, meaning `horse-god.' Enya herself pays instrumental tribute to the Celtic horse-goddess Epona, and those old enough to remember Stevie Nicks singing Rhiannon probably don't recall that she honored a Welsh name identifying the same mythical Epona.
   
   The Irish Draught horse---breed or a type? To answer, McGrath and Griffith begin with a roll call of other Irish horse breeds, among them the renowned Irish hobby. The hobby `possesses a fine head and strong neck, a well cast body, strong limbs, is sure of foot and nimble in dangerous places, and tough in travel.' Standing about twelve hands high, the hobby was sought by royalty and wealthy classes all over Europe. The hobby probably began its existence in Spain and was subsequently imported to Ireland.
   
   Another horse, the Byerley Turk, was a warm-blooded Eastern stallion that, commencing in the 1600s, found popularity among Irish breeders. Referred to in lore as a `heroic, high stepping animal with a gleaming coat,' the Turk was among the first Irish of the Thoroughbreds finding a place on the race track and show circuit of the Emerald Isle. At the time, fearing ridicule, a jockey did not dare ride a mare in an Irish horse race.
   
   
   Although horses existed in Ireland as early as 4000 B.C., give or take, forbears of the Draught Horse arrive on Irish shore during the Norman period of conquest, which began, roughly, in 1016 A.D. At the time agrarian Ireland used oxen to till the rocky land, but oxen were slow. With the advent of the harness and plow a natural progression to the use of the horse evolved over the next few hundred years. However, Irishmen required specific attributes from their horses. The farm horse must pull the plow and pull the family wagon to church on Sunday. It must accept the saddle or be ridden without one, whatever economics or preferences demand. The horse, like the dog, must not kick when children walk behind it. Soon the clever Irish began to breed horses for size--which was a desirable fifteen hands high---and to breed for strength, and for gentle disposition. What evolved was the breed of Irish Draught horse.
   
   The Irish Draught Horse book boasts a rich catalogue of lithographs, photographs and paintings honoring the book's subject matter. Much of the depiction of the horse's place in early Ireland's culture is, understandably, captured only on canvas or lithograph. The authors describe the rich colors and human emotions locked in paintings dotting almost every page of their book. Unfortunately, all of the book's paintings and pictures exist only in black and white, so it's a stretch to visualize colors of the horses. In one drawing a merciless landlord sits passively astride a black horse as hired goons evict a hapless family from their farm. A painting shows members of 1850's Dublin Anglo-Irish society riding in horse-drawn carriages. Dressed in their English finery, the ladies avoided the horse-filth lining Sackville Street by stepping directly from the pavement to the vehicle, while a short distance from Dublin native Irish are starving to death in the grips of the Famine.
   
   As with any breed of domestic farm animal, situations arose threatening the Irish Draught. Over the centuries disease took a toll on the Irish horse population, at times almost eliminating the breed. During the Famine horses became expendable when their owners faced starvation. With the rise of mechanized farming and the automobile, less of a need for farm horses became the norm. Further, purebred Draught mares were often mated to Thoroughbred stallions to produce Irish Sport horses---jumpers, steeplechasers, and the like--thereby diluting the bloodline. Ultimately, so few pure Irish Draught Horses existed in Ireland that the breed's number was reduced to 2000. Fortunately breeders stepped in to register the line of remaining purebreds and to arrange for future selective breeding. Today horse enthusiasts worldwide are assured of getting nothing but the real item when they purchase a registered Irish Draught Horse for show.
   
   As previously noted, the Irish Draught Horse is an Emerald Isle icon and an important cog in its cultural wheel. The authors do a credible job of detailing the evolutionary history of the breed and providing a wealth of Internet resources for those interested in learning more about the Irish Draught horse. Also, delightfully, on the Internet you can view these fine animals in color.
   
   
   
   Mary McGrath currently breeds and shows Irish Draught horses. Joan Griffith is an Honorary Life Member of the Irish Draught Horse Association



2. Mary McGrath and Joan C. Griffith's THE IRISH DRAUGHT HORSE: A HISTORY provides an important survey of a horse which is an Irish icon: the Irish draught horse pulled the farmer's plow, helped him hunt, and even pulled field artillery; yet in 1950 over 24,000 were exported for slaughter. THE IRISH DRAUGHT HORSE: A HISTORY celebrates their uses and important in the Irish landscape. While today it's a vanishing working horse, this history assures it won't completely be forgotten.



3. This book is a wide-ranging and excellent history of the Irish Draught Horse in Ireland. Includes interviews with horse dealers, breeders, and includes many old paintings and photos. Quality hardback format. I found it an excellent complement to my Alex Fells book, with surprisingly little overlap between the two.

5 comments about Tall Ears and Short Tales: Observations from the Barn.

1. This book is written with love, warmth and humor. I sometimes laughed, sometimes cried, but always realized the author's love of horses and her dedication to end horse slaughter. May God bless her for the work she's doing for all equine!



2. Join the author on her personal journey into the hearts and souls of neglected, abused, and unwanted animals. You'll meet lots of courageous horses looking for a second chance at life, and you'll also learn a little about a delightful Chocolate Lab who mothers horses, cats, and baby chicks.

   Knowledgeably written by Carol M. Chapman, owner of The Last Refuge, a sanctuary for horses and other assorted creatures no one else wanted. Tall Ears & Short Tales is a compelling and informative look at one of nature's wonderful and often terribly abused creatures - the horse - and the extremely dedicated people who rescue, rehabilitate, and provide sanctuary for them. Respect, humor, and thoughtful reflections upon the horses' point of view combine to make a thoroughly fascinating assortment of anecdotes from a wonderful writer and true animal lover.




3. This book is a "must read" for all animal lovers, and especially horse lovers. The author's warm style and insight into the minds of animals will draw you in and never let you go! "Horsey" people (of which I count myself one, according to the author's definition) will truly identify with the connection one feels with horses, and non-"horsey" people will get a wonderful taste of our side of the horse world.

   The author's natural, relaxed attitude toward animals is further reflected in her general philosophy toward family, relationships, and life in general. She makes you want to come and visit The Last Refuge and have a chat over coffee and perhaps muck a stall or two...




4. I have always been concerned about animals welfare. Especially cats. When I heard about Carol's book - I was only slightly interested. Boy!!! did I change my mind. I tried to read most of it on lunch hours but geeish... my eyes got red all the time-keep your Kleenex handy. Her style of writing puts you right there with the horse and feeling what he feels. It is extremely touching.

   I promise you that whether you have ever owned a horse (I have not) or rode a horse (I have only once) -- you WILL feel differently about them after this book. You will want to run and hug each and every one you see.

   It is easy reading - fun and touching. Interesting and joyful.
   I recommend it for all ages -- adults and children. This is a must have book!!!!! Give to your friends and relatives -- maybe we can all make a difference in horses lives and they in ours.




5. This book is wonderful. The writing style is easy to follow and it touches on the feelings and wonders of living with animals in a gentle, caring way.

   It's a must read for any horse or dog lover.

No comments about Caring For Older Horses And Ponies (Threshold Picture Guides).

1 comments about Classic Horse Stories: Fourteen Timeless Horse Tales.

1. A very good collection of horse stories! I was thrilled to see that I hadn't already read al the stories included. All too often these treasuries of equine literature are just bits and peices from My Friend Flicka, Black Beauty, and other famous horse novels I have already read, both in the complete book and in countless other horse story collections. And while this work includes segments from National Velvet and Black Beauty, most other stories were from less worn sources. Overall, antique yet fresh tales mix with the best of classic equine literature for a delightful new collection.

No comments about Endurance Riding: Tips for Beginners (Cadmos Horse Guides).

5 comments about The Affordable Horse: A Guide to Low-Cost Ownership.

1. Part I, Acquiring Your Horse, includes chapters on the giveaway horse, the low-priced horse, horse sharing, and horse leasing. Part II, Keeping Your Horse, includes chapters on the backyard horse, pasture keeping, boarding, and working for board. Part III, Maintaining Your Horse, includes chapters on health care, shoeing, feeding & bedding, tack & equipment, and insurance. 'Acquiring Your Horse' is mainly useful for first-time buyers and beginners.
   
   Overall this book is pretty general. Unless you're brand new to horses, don't bother.



2. I honestly think the author takes thriftiness a bit too far. It's really not a good idea to care for your horse's hooves yourself. If you can't pay thirty dollars every other month, what would happen if your horse had a serious injury that needed urgent attention from a vet?
   
   I would say the only thing good about this book is horse buying section; the information there is fairly helpful. Of course that section has it's down falls too- it says most racetracks have FREE retired racehorses. But you usually have to pay an adoption fee for a retired racehorse. Also, this book is clearly designed for the novice pleasure rider, and that is probably the worst person to adopt a young, green, and hard to handle TB.



3. I expected "The Affordable Horse" by Sharon Smith to be a book full of money-saving tips on low-cost ownership. It provides some helpful advice, but most of it is common sense. The book has more information about horse ownership in general, from buying/adopting to what to feed your horse. Also, when is comes to animals like horses, I wouldn't take my chances and sacrifice quality necessties for price, and Smith is clear not to do that. For more info, you can email me at:
   
   star_figure8@yahoo.com



4. This book is helpful on giving tips on how to save some money on buying a horse. At first the book sounds like how to buy a cheap horse. What it basiccly is telling you in the book is different ways to save money. I found it helpful because both of my parents are retired and I wanted a horse. My parents thought it was to expensive, but the book gave some enxaspensive ways to own a horse. Like working at the barn to lessen the rent and other ideas. All in all it gives good tips for enxepensive horse ownership.



5. I can't imagine why this book is getting such good reviews (who's giving them I wonder). I found most of the author's suggestions naive and many of the others obvious. I don't not think that this book provides much practical information.

2 comments about 1001 Best Things Ever Said About Horses.

1. IF you are "horsey" at all, this is great fun reading......nice collection item too!!!



2. Horse quotes and horse poetry from a suprising and diverse number of authors and poets, such as as Will James,Alois Podhahsky, Ambrose Bierce, William Shakespeare, and many,many more. The musings of well-known horse trainers, such as John Lyons, are well represented here. The book even contains a number of biblical quotes concerning horses.

1 comments about The Spirit of Horsemanship: Natural Training through Feel for Harmony with Your Horse.

1. I really enjoyed reading The Spirit of Horsemanship. The principles of communicating with horses are laid out very well, and it really helped me to understand how horses think and react.
   
   There is tons of information, and the book is written so that people of all different levels of experience can understand it and gain from it. Pamela DeMuth's tone is very calm and encouraging as she explains how to apply these principles to working with your horse in many different ways. She covers everything from simple handling to groundwork and riding, and how to deal with miscommunication in all of it.
   
   I feel less hesitant now about riding and I know I'll come back to this book again and again for information about connecting better with horses.

2 comments about Barrel Racing: Training the Wright Way (Masters).

1. I have been training and riding barrel horses for 24 years and feel that this is the best barrel racing book I have ever come across. It is a great tool for all levels of barrel racers- from beginner to experienced. I found the chapters regarding barrel horse bloodlines and solving common problems very interesting. This book is easy to read and comprehend and has magnificent pictures to visually display the content. Worth the money!



2. This book covers it all! From selecting certain barrel racing pedigrees, ground work with colts, first rides, beginning barrel work, problems, tack selection and much more. This book contains hundreds of beautiful color photos and is nice enough to be a "coffee table" book (that's where mine is). Ed and Martha even take the time to answer your questions if you e-mail them, first-class all the way...

3 comments about The Dark Horse.

1. I loved this book. "The Dark Horse" was a really good read--the type of thing you truly enjoy snuggling up with. It's about a 16-year-old girl ,Liz, who helps save Tanglewood, the stable she's been riding and working at since she was 9. Liz, the owner of the stable and the owner's son have to solve a rather puzzling mystery to save Tanglewood. Through this book Liz grows closer to a particular horse--and closer to the owner's son. This book will make the mystery lover, the "horsy stuff" lover (that's me), and the teenage-romance lover happy.



2. This book and The Horse By Any Other Name" was brilliant i could imagine all of the scenes written, i wouldn't usually read a book about horses as they usually are about little girls and their ponies called doll or something stupid, but this was brilliant....i hope that you have more influences to write a third one in the mini series or continue writing wonderful books for children thankyou from Hannah Musson



3. thankyou very much, Jenny. This read so true for me and all my younger sisters ageed. We have a pony on our farm. Number 3???????

   Got a tractor in my farm. I love my tractor.