 The breed standard defined by the Irish Draught Horse Breeders Association, and followed by the equivalent organization of Great Britain and Canada, states that "The Irish Draught Horse is a versatile, powerful and athletic animal with substance and quality.It has a pleasant head, good bone and a short shin, good spring of rib, strong loins and hindquarters and an active powerful stride.Known for its good temperament, docility and willing nature, it has a robust constitution and is inherently sound.