We are currently developing Banks of the Roses Farm (BotR) on 41 acres of pasture land interspersed with woods and some wetlands in northeast Indiana.  We plan to breed Irish Draught (not Draft) Horses.  This breed is endangered and on the UN Rare Breed Conservancy list.  To our knowledge, no one in this area breeds Irish Draughts.   We intend to concentrate on breeding purebred Irish Draught stock.  We believe there is a need and a place for this noble and versatile breed.  Our hope is to introduce it to many people. 

We have spent a lot of time researching the breed and its various bloodlines.  Undoubtedly, a breed with a small number of breeding individuals must be propagated carefully.  We hope to make this site a useful resource for information relating not only to Draughts, but also for breeding practices in general, basic conformation, various genetic traits, conformation and other relevant issues.

Thank you for your patience as our farm and our website develop!

What’s in a name?  Visit the following site to hear the traditional Irish folk song, “Banks of the Roses”  http://unitedireland.tripod.com/id37.html

Not much has changed since I last wrote.  Abbey is now being worked under saddle, although “worked” might be an overstatement!  She’s learning to steer and has just learned to trot with a rider on her back.  Joey has been getting limited turnout in the indoor arena, and he’s sound so far (fingers crossed.)  The ‘farm’ is at a standstill.  We’d still like to get hay planted this late summer/fall.  That’s all to report right now.  I’ve found a great link in regard to preservation of genetics in horse breeding — great reading if you’re a nerd like me.  Check it out!