’Tis that time of year again don’t you know…
Today is St Patrick’s Day! And what better way
to celebrate than with horses?
Yes, you read that right. Horses and St Patrick’s Day go together like green beer and regrettable decisions.
The Irish have always had a thing for horses. Maybe it’s because they both have a reputation for being a bit wild and unpredictable! But seriously, the ‘capall’ (horse in Old Irish) has a tremendous history in Irish culture and folklore. Having originally been used for transportation, peat harvesting, agriculture, and as a symbol of status and wealth, horses today are still an integral part of Irish life.
Ireland’s rich history of horse breeding and horsemanship dates back centuries, and Irish breeds of horses have long been prized for their strength, versatility, and intelligence and beauty.
- The Traditional Irish Horse (TIH) is the original indigenous Irish Sport Horse breed which was developed in Ireland 200-300 years ago using the Irish Draught, the Thoroughbred and, to a lesser extent, the Connemara Pony.
- The Connemara Pony, which most consider to be the only native breed of Ireland, has a bit of a mythical origin, just like the leprechauns, but they are thought to have arrived with the Celts in Ireland around 2,500 years ago.
- Along with the Kerry Bog Pony, Irish Draught and Gypsy Vanner (originally bred by the Romani people of Ireland). Irish breeds of horses are diverse and versatile and often excel in many different disciplines from show jumping, eventing, fox hunting and racing to driving and pleasure riding.
So this St Patrick’s Day, raise a Guinness to
horses everywhere.
And if you happen to see a green horse, not to worry –
you’re probably just Blootered! *
*Irish slang for drunk