The Clydesdale Horse

The ancestry of these large draught horses can be traced back to the early 19th century in Clydesdale (now Lanarkshire) Scotland. There was a strong need for this large horse not only in the agricultural area but in the commerce area as well.

Clydesdales were originally worked in the coalfields in Lanarkshire, and also for pulling carts through Glasgow’s streets. As they would be working on the Scottish soil, large feet and long legs were needed, so stallions were imported from England and Belgium for breeding purposes. The result was the founding line of the modern-day Clydesdales.

The Clydesdale horses soon become world renound and the Scottish breeders exported them to the US, Canada and as far as New Zealand and Australia. Nowadays, Clydesdale horses are one of the only breeds of draught horse in Scotland, and is still highly sought after by any other countries. Clydesdale horses are in fact used to pull promotional beer wagons for a very popular brewery in the United States. They make the horses available for viewing close up, so you can walk in to their make-shift stables. Clydesdales are often thought of as goodwill company representatives. And darn good ones too, one might say.

Today’s Clydesdale typically weighs in from 1600 to 2000 pounds (113.6 to 142 stones). They usually stand 16 to 19 hands (162.5 to 193 cm, or 64 to 76 in) at the shoulder. Though larger than the original Scottish breed, the large feet, solid legs and characteristic looks of the original Clydesdale horses have been retained. The colors of the coats are very vivid, the face is usually white, and the most popular trait for a performing team of these magnificent horses is four white socks which reach the knees. The most common colour is bay, and the legs normally display long white hair, or feathers, from the knee down. Once can, however, still see Clydesdales in black, brown, and chestnut. These are more than acceptable to be registered as purebreds.

The overview of theses horses is one of a sturdily built, incredibly strong yet agile horse. They naturally adopt a high-head position giving them a proud appearance. Even when stood still, their power, agility and calm temperament is apparent. Once seen in operation, the Clydesdale horses leaves a lasting impression, and can be described as awe-inspiring!

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