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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 Irish Draught Horse Society of North America at www.irishdraught.com . The "RID" found after the Irish Draught horse's name is added after the horse has passed inspection by a judging team of two inspectors from Ireland.


Texas Diamond Belle RID

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 9.75 inches of bone. She has a relaxed and steady nature that has contributed to her success as a riding and driving horse. 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.


Bunny and Belle are enjoying their canter work in this picture. Belle is the horse I can use for pony rides and as a guest's trail horse. She still gives me a thrill even when schooling the basics in dressage.


Ruarc Dublin Dan is Belle's 2006 gelding 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 of College Station, TX. Danny will soon be traveling to Texas and will be in training at Windy Knoll Farm with Fran Dearing.


This is a photo of Danny's sire, The Pride of Gloster RID. He is by the well known jumping sire, Clover Hill. Bunny and I recently drove down to Huntersville, NC to see Gloster and his owner, Lisa Parent. Lisa has been schooling Gloster in dressage. He is an elegant horse with lovely movement and sound limbs and feet. We think that Danny resembles his sire.



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. We are thrilled to announce that Arwen will be coming to live with us in 2009.


Arwen's sire, Foxglen Himself RID, is owned by Susan Jensen. You can learn more about Foxglen Himself RID at Susan's website : http://www.bellwetheririshdraughts.com   Thank you to Liz Freeman for the use of this picture.


Arwen is being trained by Sarah Bright Phillips at Blackberry Ridge Farm. We are so pleased with her progress. 





Arwen has finally come home to Hollymead Farm. She has been enjoying the late summer grass and turn out with her mom, Belle.



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. Holly is a 16 hand, dark brown, 2002 Irish Draught mare with over 9.5 inches of bone. Holly has made the long trip back to Iowa this past October to return to her first home with Liz.  http://www.flyingharp.com 


News Flash...June 9, 2009 ... We heard the news this morning, from Liz, that Holly gave birth to a stunning black colt (that looks like he will turn grey like his dad). This is a special foal as his breeding combines bloodlines that were selected when Holly was just a filly herself. Congratulations to Holly, Liz and her family at Flying Harp Farm on the birth of this beautiful boy. This photo is courtesy of Liz Freeman.


Hollymead Huntsman, "Hunter", is Holly's first foal, born in May, 2007. Hunter 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. He is sired by Huntingfield Proud Tim RID, a lovely large chestnut Irish Draught stallion that was imported from England.  http://www.dandelionfarm.com .


Here is hunter at 2 years of age. He looks so much like his dam, Holly. Lauren says that he is 15:2 now and ready for another growth spurt. We are so glad to know that he is loved for his sweet temperament and laid back disposition.  This picture is courtesy of Lauren Pollin.


Holly was bred to Harkaway Lionhawk, owned by Blackberry Ridge Farm, for a June, 2009 foal. Hawk is standing with Tony Phillips in this picture. Hawk has been highly praised by the Irish judges as having  ideal traditional Irish Draught conformation and superb movement. We have high expectations for this foal. Please visit Blackberry Ridge Farm's website for more pictures of Hawk. http://www.blackberryridgefarm.com


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. Please visit Liz Freeman's website http://www.flyingharp.com to see the Bonnie's family tree.