Read About Clydesdale Horse

The Clydesdale Horse is a powerfully built intelligent horse with graceful poise and smooth glide. Here's everything you need to know about this horse breed.

Clydesdale Horse - Horse Breed Facts

1. Breed Group:

   Clydesdale horse is a heavy draft horse belonging to the cold blood group that have descended from the wilder ancestors of Northern Europe.

2. Height & Weight:

   These horsesrange from 16.5 to 18 hh and weigh about 1600-1800 lbs.

3. Coat:

   The coat might have hair (roan) or white spots on it.

4. Head & Neck:

   The head is in proportion to its body and the muzzle is thin lipped. The eyes must be large and ears are pointed with delicate hair.

5. Body:

   The shoulders are sloping and wide with a deep chest and long, well sprung ribs. The back is short with muscular thighs. The legs have white feathering at the base that is typical of the breed.

6. Conformation:

   The most important conformation of a Clydesdale horse is the heavy feathering on lower legs and the head is at right angles to the neck.

7. Colors:

   Bay is the most common color in a Clydesdale while the other colors are grey, black, chestnut and roan (evenly spread white hairs all over the body).

8. Gait:

   Clydesdales are smooth in action with fore and hind legs moving in perfect co-ordination. They bend the knees while trotting.

9. Popularity:

   About 600 Clydesdale horses are registered every year in America alone.

10. Registries:

    Clydesdale Breeders of USA, Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada, Clydesdale Horse Society, England and the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society of Australia.

Clydesdale Horse - Horse Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Scotland

2. Lineage/Bloodline:

   The origin of Clydesdale is rooted in the 1700's cross breeding of Lanarkshire horses and Flemish Stallions.

3. Historical Information:

   During early 1700s Duke of Hamilton imported Flemish stallions to Lanarkshire. The horses were crossbred with local Lanarkshires and the result was astonishing. A thoroughly consistent breed of superior horses came into existence and they quickly spread throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.

Clydesdale Horse - Horse Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Clydesdales are very easy to train and their intelligent and sociable disposition make the task enjoyable.

2. Temperament:

   The Clydesdale is gentle and intelligent creature with an easy going and highly sociable personality.

3. Child Friendly:

   Their gentle nature makes them very tolerant and friendly with children.

4. Behavior:

   The Clydesdale is an active breed, so do not like to be idle for long periods of time.

5. Riding Ease:

   The amenable nature and smooth glide of a Clydesdale makes them a pleasure to ride on.

6. Uses:

   These horses are now famous in show rings, draught work and pleasure rides.

Clydesdale Horse - Horse Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Clydesdales are prone to skin conditions especially itching in the feathering. Also they are susceptible to sunburns on hot days.

2. Feeding:

   These horses consume about 2% of their own weight. On an average it amounts to about 25-50 lbs of hay and 5-12 lbs of grain.

3. Outfitting:

   These horses require saddles and bridles made to fit a heavy draft breed.

Clydesdale Horse - How to Choose a Horse Breed

1. What to Look for:

   Look for a proper gait, large and prominent eyes, healthy feathering. The whole appearance should be of power and poise rather than mere bulk. Also watch the pet for uneasy behavior which is highly alien to its nature.

2. What you will Need:

   The regular tack and supplies are sufficient.