The Hollymead Farm Irish Draught Mares

The Irish Draught mare served many purposes on the farms in Ireland. They helped the farmers work their land, pulled the family cart to church on Sunday, and served as a foxhunting horse and a show jumper for all family members. The mares were usually bred every spring to provide a foal to sell for the much needed additional farm income. This breed was the original multi task horse. To learn more about the breed visit The website of the North American Irish Draught Horse Society at www.irishdraught.com . The "RID" found after the Irish Draught horses's name is added after the horse has passed inspection by a judging team of two inspectors from Ireland.

Texas Diamond Belle

Texas Diamond Belle RID is a grey, 16 hand Irish Draught mare by O'Leary's Irish Diamond RID out of Bonnie Belle Supreme RID. Belle is a traditional mare with over 9.5 inches of bone. She has a relaxed and steady nature that has contributed to her success as a riding and driving horse. Her two foals, Arwen the Evenstar RID, a 2003 mare, and Ruarc Dublin Dan, a 2006 purebred colt, have inherited her lovely head, substance and quality.  This photo is courtesy of Sheila Steele.

This is a picture of Belle in her first dressage driving class with Karen Garrett. Belle had only been introduced to driving briefly as a 2 year old before Karen borrowed her as a 5 year old. She then received a 2 week "refresher" course with Tom O'Carroll, Karen's trainer and coach, before she was entered in this competition. We were so excited and happy when she won the class competing against more experienced horses and ponies.

Bunny and Belle are enjoying their canter work.

Arwen The Evenstar RID, a 2003 mare, is Belle's daughter by Foxglen Himself RID. Arwen is owned by Patty Prime and Shannon Forcier. This mare is a lovely example of the traditional Irish Draught that exhibits both quality and substance.

Ruarc Dublin Dan is Belle's 2006 colt by Pride of Gloster RID, a stallion sired by Clover Hill. Danny is an attractive, athletic and substantial colt. He is owned by Bunny Steele and has started training with Mark Hausman in Waxhaw, NC.

Lionwood Seventh Heaven RID

Lionwood Seventh Heaven RID ( Holly) is by Happy Ending RID out of Bonnie Belle Supreme RID. She was bred by Liz Freeman of Flying Harp Farm in Tipton Iowa. www.flyingharp.com Holly is a 16 hand, dark brown, 2002 Irish Draught mare with 9 and 1/2 inches of bone. She delivered her first colt this year, Hollymead Huntsman (Hunter), by Huntingfield Proud Tim RID.

Hollymead Huntsman is now in Maryland and owned by Lauren Pollin. Lauren bought Hunter in hopes of raising her ideal field hunter. His bloodlines support his future career and his sweet temperament should make him a joy to have as a companion.

Holly is enjoying her under saddle training and especially being ridden by our foreign exchange student and new daughter, Gloria Vadeau. Our horses love Gloria and their fitness level, as well as mine, have improved greatly since Gloria has joined us in North Carolina. 

After several days of trotting poles and small cross rails we asked Holly to try a small jump. Her effort exceeded our expectations! True to her Irish Draught roots, she seemed to enjoy the experience and continued to jump until I could capture the picture on my camera. 

Both girls look like they are having fun!

Bonnie Belle Supreme RID  

Bonnie Belle Supreme RID, is shown here with 2 week old Holly. Bonnie was born in Ireland and imported as a 2 year old by Jim McGinty. She was one of the first few Irish Draught mares imported into North America. Bonnie is the reason I fell in love with the Irish Draught breed. I purchased Bonnie from Jim in 1997. She produced her first filly for me in 1999, Texas Diamond Belle. Bonnie had a total of 4 purebred Irish Draught colts, and 3 purebred Irish Draught fillies before she passed away in March of 2007.  I am extremely fortunate to own two of her daughters. This photo was taken by Liz Freeman who owned Bonnie for the last 6 years. Jim, Liz and I all feel our lives have been richer for knowing this exceptional mare.