A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse

Editor Stephanie Church relives her trip to Ireland and one steadfast Irish horse. What is it that makes some horses seem more “durable” than others?

Posted by Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director | Sep 10, 2012 | Blogs, Horse Breeds, Horse Care, Horse Sense (and Sensibility), Recreational Trail Riding and Hacking

You might have noticed this little fact, and perhaps this is why you visit our web site: Horses are magnets for injury/illness. Whether the cause is their complicated physiology, how we manage them, or Murphy’s Law, it seems like our beloved steeds are always getting hurt or developing all manner of bizarre clinical signs.

Sure, this can mean job security for The Horse’s staff, since all we write about/report on is health topics! But even so, it can be disturbing sometimes just how many things can go awry with horses.

So, imagine my surprise the other week when I rode a horse that

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com. Start your free account today!

Sign UpAlready have an account?

About The Author

Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director

Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director, grew up riding and caring for her family's horses in Central Virginia and received a B.A. in journalism and equestrian studies from Averett University. She joined The Horse in 1999 and has led the editorial team since 2010. A 4-H and Pony Club graduate, she enjoys dressage, eventing, and trail riding with her former graded-stakes-winning Thoroughbred gelding, It Happened Again ("Happy"). Stephanie and Happy are based in Lexington, Kentucky.

23 Comments

s209054188 on September 13, 2012 at 4:18 am

re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse

I grew up o a farm, and perhaps had it better that some townies(LOL) in that our horses always live out in a herd. Our winters are usually fair enough, and our pasture keeps pretty well on rotation. We only give extra feed when the horses have spent ho
Log in to Reply
- s209054188 on September 13, 2012 at 4:20 am
  
  re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
  
  Oh, and mutual respect must always be upheld.
  Log in to Reply
  - ejs1401 on September 13, 2012 at 10:04 am
    
    re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
    
    I had a similar Tilman and Collette experience 10 yrs ago on Kinvara, a steadfast mount. He was slow and we were forever trotting to catch up, but he kept my safe. Even through the treacherous slish wood ride, when my co-travelers came out
    Log in to Reply
    - hhalenbeck on September 13, 2012 at 11:40 am
      
      re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
      
      Wow! I love this article! This was EXACTLY my impression when I spent some time in Ireland cross-country riding a few years ago. Such hardy, solid horses, and yet super athletic! It completely changed the way I approach my own horse management. Thank y
      Log in to Reply
      - janetgeorge on September 14, 2012 at 4:05 am
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        You discovered the wonderfulness of the Irish Draught! And it doesn’t matter if they’re bred in Ireland, England or the USA, they’re all very similar.
        
        My own home-breds are fed from a tractor in the field from a few days old – and we never
      - rdasedona on September 16, 2012 at 1:42 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        First of all, thank you for the lovely trip thru Ireland! This is one of the items on my "bucket list" – admittedly a bit far down the road.
        
        The toughest horse I have ever owned was an Arabian stallion. Bred and trai
      - jacky.ott on September 19, 2012 at 8:28 am
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        Stephanie, you can find the same kind of dependable ride this side of the Atlantic in the American mustang. Once you gain their trust they will go the end of the earth with you. I gentled Comanche as an un-ridden 5r year old from Salt wells
      - schurch on September 19, 2012 at 11:28 am
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        Thank you for all of your comments! I’ve enjoyed reading about your favorite breeds, and about your experiences with Tilman and Colette’s horses (and other Irish mounts).
nesbitt52 on September 11, 2012 at 12:04 am

re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse

Irish horses are just the best!
Log in to Reply
- maureen on September 11, 2012 at 8:09 am
  
  re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
  
  I completely agree with Beverly. 24/7 turnout in a herd on natural terrain of hills, trees, bushes, etc. My horses have astounded me at how aware they’ve become of things. A group got into the yard a while back. I have a clothesline (2 rope
  Log in to Reply
  - schurch on September 11, 2012 at 8:35 am
    
    re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
    
    Thank you for all of your comments, ladies! I agree that horses do very well on varied terrain–more so than I expect sometimes.
    
    Marilyn and Barbara, I will have to try a Paso Fino sometime soon. I’ve ridden many breed types over the years, but
    Log in to Reply
    - watershedfarm on September 11, 2012 at 11:09 am
      
      re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
      
      I have always thought that we females put so much on our horses. We want them to partner, join up and love us which is all so unfair to the animal. We want natural but we insist that it includes us! Once you respect your horse for be
      Log in to Reply
      - m.mallon33 on September 11, 2012 at 1:01 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        This is a really great article. I have 3 horses and they live out on a hillside. They are exposed to the weather and walk up and down hills, through mud and water. Only my 30year old mare wears a rug. They do have field shelter but prefer to be togethe
      - schurch on September 11, 2012 at 2:08 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        Jean, I love how you articulated that concept! And I agree about the ulcers.
        
        Thanks, Maria. Your horses sound like a happy bunch!
      - lilacollamore on September 11, 2012 at 5:53 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        Our horses lead very sheltered lives. My horse (who lives outside in a run) is so much calmer after a trail ride. I also make it a point to take her to check out any commotion around the barn. Now, she can be relied on where more &quo
      - sbaerst on September 11, 2012 at 7:38 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        OMG Thanks for the story. I had my first "outside the arena" adventure at the Horse Holiday Farm 22 years ago. I was amazed by the terrain that the horses navigated without a care. I rode for six days – my first true g
      - schurch on September 12, 2012 at 8:45 am
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        Susan, I love that you’ve been to HHF as well! Tilman and Colette are wonderful. During my first "true" beach gallop I had tears in my eyes–I’m not sure if they were from the wind and Shanlara’s speed, or from sheer happiness.
        
        L, tha
      - dantebaron on September 12, 2012 at 7:48 pm
        
        re: A Hardy, Handy Irish Horse
        
        I hesitated before but must say that the Paso Fino has an entirely different attitude towards people. They WANT to spend time with you & they honestly care how their human feels. They are very intelligent & are able to figure out certain things