Read About Clydesdale Horses

Clydesdale Horses - Facts

1. Breed Group:

   They belong to the heavy draft breeds originating in Scotland in the eighteenth century.

2. Height & Weight:

   They grow up to 72 inches or 6 feet weighing between 1600 and 2400 pounds.

3. Coat:

   Bay is the most common color of the coat. They also come in black, brown, and chestnut. The 'white socks' markings on the knees and hocks is the most visible coat coloration.

4. Head & Neck:

   Has a flat, open forehead, broad across the eyes with a well-arched long neck.

5. Body:

   Mostly white colored silky hair covers its legs. They are tall horses commonly with tough physiques.

6. Conformation:

   They usually have more hair on their legs, unlike other horses, with a white blaze face and white hairy legs.

7. Colors:

   These horses may be brown or bay but can be black or sorrel with white hair scattered throughout the coat.

8. Gait:

   These fancy horses with a long stride are a great hit in street shows and in theaters.

9. Popularity:

   This breed was popular among Scottish farmers but later it was well known in the United States and Canada.

10. Registries:

    It has been registered by The Clydesdale breeders of the United States and the American Clydesdale association.

Clydesdale Horses - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Scotland

2. Lineage/Bloodline:

   The heavy horses were originally developed to be used in warfare to carry armor clad knights into the battle. Later used by Scottish farmers. Used larger English and Flemish stallions on the smaller local mares resulting in these powerful horses.

3. Historical Information:

   This heavy draft breed was developed in the early eighteenth century by farmers in the Lanark shire district of Scotland. They were used to meet the agricultural needs of the local farmers.

Clydesdale Horses - Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Intelligence and willingness makes them ease to be trained.

2. Temperament:

   Their gentle disposition is pleasing to all concerned. They are known to be the "most people oriented" horse.

3. Child Friendly:

   These gentle eager to please animals are very child friendly.

4. Behavior:

   They are active movers for their size and weight. Hard workers in farms.

5. Riding Ease:

   Could be trained under saddle. They are best for shows to entertain others.

6. Uses:

   It is used with carriage services. It is well suited for shows and attracts public admiration. Commonly used for street parades.

Clydesdale Horses - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   In general they are active horses best for shows. Inactiveness is also possible.

2. Feeding:

   Based on their age and the amount of work they do, adults eat 25 to 50 pounds of hay and 2 to 10 pounds of grain.

3. Outfitting:

   Since they are tall and big built, sufficient space is needed for them.

Clydesdale Horses -- How to Choose

1. What to look for:

   Check out for its height, size and health condition. It is famous for its distinctive silkiest hairy legs and white square face.

2. What you will need:

   All you will need is a good training ground for regular exercise because these horses generally work hard.