Enquiries: P: (03) 5782 2678   E: tullowstud@aol.com

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Tullow is a small breeding enterprise set on 50 acres of fertile pasture, on the outskirts of the historic township of Kilmore.  Recognised as Victoria’s first inland town Kilmore was settled in the 1800’s by mainly Irish immigrants, now as then horses play a major role in this area, situated just one hour North of Melbourne and 45mins. from Tullamarine airport.

We have been breeding Irish horses since our arrival in Australia over 20 years ago and our breeding programme here at Tullow is based on the theory that the mares influence on her foal is greater than that of the stallion. With that in mind we choose to keep a small band of mares and select a suitable stallion for each individual. More often than not putting “Blood over Bone” in the traditional way.

Our mares are either performance bred or successful competitors themselves and we like to introduce our youngstock to competition early in their careers.

Alongside the production and promotion of the breed we love, at Tullow Stud & Training Centre we also offer the following facilities – a 60m x 20m sand dressage arena, all weather jumping arena and cross-country training course. Clinics held throughout the year. We have a keen interest in Working Hunter classes, regularly judging and hiring out purpose built jumping equipment.

We look forward to meeting you,

Sue & Chris Tufnell

Tullow Stud & Training Centre

Photographic Acknowledgements:

Delwyn Moss

Julie Wilson

Derek O'leary

Di Gatehouse

Carolyn Yencken

Click on thumbnail photos to enlarge

Irish Draught & Sport Horse Breeders

Irish Draught History

The name Irish Draught conjures up an image of a heavy "cart horse" such as the Clydesdale or Percheron, this is far from the truth. The Irish Draught is a much lighter type of multi-purpose farm horse, developed over the centuries by Irish farmers to suit their needs. Originating from a number of different breeds the "Irish Hobby" a small riding horse, plus war horses brought to Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasions, Iberian horses shipwrecked during the Spanish Armada and Thoroughbred and half-bred stallions that were crossed with the Irish mares.

It was at the beginning of the 20th century that the Irish government took an interest in the breed, introducing registration for stallions in 1907 and mares in 1911 with an Irish Draught Stud Book being opened in 1917 by the Ministry of Agriculture, 375 mares and 44 stallions were entered as foundation stock.

The Irish Draught was bred to be strong and quiet to handle whilst being economical to keep, often surviving only on gorse and grass. Capable of farm work, pulling carts and light ploughing. Used also as a riding horse and hunter, thanks to their natural athleticism and jumping ability. More importantly these horses had to be sound throughout their long working life, as the farmers very livelihood depended on the efficiency and reliability of his horse. The breed flourished for a while, with many Irish Draughts serving as army artillery horses in the great European wars. However numbers dropped as a result of war time losses and advancing mechanisation in the mid 1900's. Post World War One and Two, thousands of farm horses were sent to the European abattoirs to feed starving nations whilst making way for the new, modern tractor.

In 1976 a small group of Irish breeders intent on preserving the breed from extinction formed the Irish Draught Horse Society.

Since then branches have developed worldwide, breeding and promoting what is still recognized as  "A Rare Breed".

 

Irish Sport Horses

Since the evolution of showjumping in Ireland, Irish Draughts have been popular for crossbreeding. Their even temperament, athleticism and durability when crossed with a good thoroughbred creates an ideal partner for modern equestrian sports at all levels. This potent mix is the foundation for the Irish Sport Horse. With a further infusion of Thoroughbred the ideal eventer is produced, as shown by results over the years at Badminton Horse Trials, recognised worldwide as the pinnacle event of the sport. Add a higher percentage of Irish Draught blood and the resulting cross excels at showjumping and dressage thanks to their power, strength and trainability.

Irish Sport Horses

Elite Athletes

&

Leisure Horses