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The Celtic-Iberian
Spanish Andalusian/Irish Draught
A new breed
The history of the Irish Draught includes Spanish Andalusian blood. This
infusion was used to refine the breed after the Normans crossed the Irish
Hobby to the larger chargers they brought with them to Ireland.Many of the
Irish Draughts exhibit subtle characteristics of the Andalusian. The noble
topline, powerful quarters, and even the texture of the mane and tail are all
reminiscent of this breed.They are also very similar in temperament and
trainability. They are a low maintenance hardy long lived creature. Perhaps
even their ability to collect themselves before a fence has to do with the
infusion of these horses bred for the high school dressage maneuvers used in
the battlefield. The Spanish Andalusian is a noble elegant horse that can
truly be referred to as a pure breed. It has a well defined genetic history
and for that reason is more genetically prepotent than most breeds.It is an
unusual animal in that is exhibits a lot of fire and refinement with out the
explosiveness necessary for racing. I feel that this cross will add fire and
elegance without compromising temperament and may genetically lock in the
qualities we all so admire in the Draughts. This particular cross will be a
separate division of the Celtic Warmblood Registry. You may cross your Irish
horse either Andalusian or Lusitano as both breeds share a similar genetic
background. You may prefer one type over the other.
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