[2] Crossbreeding with Clydesdales, which were used in some areas for heavier haulage, resulted in a taller animal, but at the cost of stamina and conformation; these qualities were negated by the introduction of Thoroughbred blood.

[5] Irish Draught Horse pedigrees had been recorded since at least the start of the 20th century, when the government introduced registration for stallions and mares in 1907 and 1911 respectively, subject to inspections of the animals, and offering subsidies towards this.

[6] Their use in the Great War in the allied military led to large losses, and the mechanization of the 20th century saw a decline in their traditional use as farm and carriage horses.

[7][8][2] In 1976, the Irish Draught Horse Society was founded to preserve the breed,[9] with an external branch in Great Britain emerging in 1979.

[11] Increased interest in the breed internationally has led to the formation of Irish Draught societies and registries in many countries, including Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

[12][13] It is the Irish Draught's popularity as a foundation animal for the production of sport horses that has put the breed at risk a second time.

Aggressive selection for show jumping characteristics has degraded the foundation stock,[14] and inbreeding to a few popular performance bloodlines has further endangered the genetic diversity of the breed.

The purebred Irish Draught is also popular in eventing, showing and as a hunter, as well as police mounts due to their temperament and strength.