Originally bred as a draught horse for use on farms and in industry, the Clydesdale horse originated in the Scottish county of Lanarkshire in the late 18th century, when Flemish stallions were brought to Scotland to mate with local draught mares. Their hard working temperament, combined with their large size and considerable strength, meant that they were often used for manual tasks such as road haulage and logging.
Their use in WW1 to haul guns and artillery resulted in heavy losses, and the number of Clydesdale horses in existence fell as a result. As with fellow heavy horses such as the Shire horse, Clydesdale numbers were also impacted by the rise in popularity of machinery in both industry and agriculture. Today, they are on Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Vulnerable list.
While the Clydesdale was developed in Scotland, today it is most commonly found in the U.S., followed by the UK, Canada and Australia. In fact, the American lager manufacturer Budweiser boasts its own team of Clydesdale horses who are used to promote the brand, taking part in parades, promotions and adverts across the United States and beyond.
The Clydesdale horse is also celebrated at the World Clydesdale Show.
| WEIGHT: | 700 – 1000kg |
| HEIGHT: | 16 hands – 18 hands (16.2hh average) |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY: | 25 – 30 years |
| BEST FOR: | work, pulling heavy loads, leisure riding, therapeutic work |
| ORIGIN: | Scotland (Lanarkshire) |
The Clydesdale horse was originally developed in Scotland, in the Clyde valley after which they are named. Flemish stallions were imported to mate with local draft mares in the 18th century, with the first use of the word “Clydesdale” as a horse breed recorded in 1826. After this, Shire blood was introduced in the 19th century; and a breed society was introduced in 1877.
After becoming popular in Scotland, the Clydesdale spread to northern England; it was also exported in large numbers to countries such as Australia, New Zealand and America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Their original purpose was as a working horse, carrying out manual labour in farming and industry. During the First World War, the Clydesdale horse was conscripted to work on the battlefield hauling guns, and the breed experienced heavy losses as a result. This was exacerbated by the rise in machinery and the decline in the use of horses for labour, and by the 1970s the Clydesdale horse breed found itself listed as “At Risk” with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust – a status which endures to this day, and means that there are fewer than 1500 breeding mares of the Clydesdale horse breed
Today, Clydesdale horses are more commonly used as carriage horses; for leisure riding; as drum horses; and in parades, with their white feathered feet making quite an impression. The British Household Cavalry uses them as drum horses alongside Shire horses; while the Anheuser-Busch brewery boasts its own team of Clydesdales who are used to promote Budweiser beer.
Clydesdale horses are often crossed with other breeds: the Clydesdale Quarter Horse cross, Clydesdale Thoroughbred cross, and Friesian Clydesdale cross are a few examples.
SIZE
Clydesdale Horse Size
Clydesdale horses are known for their large size: with an average height of around 16 – 18 hands, this Scottish horse breed is one of the tallest in the world.
The biggest Clydesdale on record is Remington from the USA, who measured 20 hands in 2009 and was once the tallest living horse in the world. His title was challenged unofficially by Poe the Clydesdale, who was measured by his owner at 20.2 hands that same year.
APPEARANCE
Clydesdale Horse Appearance
The Clydesdale displays a strong, muscular appearance, with a straight or slightly convex facial profile; and an elegant, showy gait. They feature significant white feathering on their lower legs, which is a characteristic preferred by a number of Clydesdale breeders.
When it comes to colour, Clydesdale horses are usually bay, although black, grey and chestnut Clydesdale horses are not uncommon. It is the bay and black horses who command a premium, especially when combined with white facial markings and four white legs – two features which are common in the Clydesdale horse.
However, Clydesdale breed associations do not prefer any one colour; and are happy to accept roan horses, as well as those with body spots.
DIET + NUTRITION
Clydesdale Horse Diet and Nutrition
Clydesdale horses eat a regular equine diet of quality hay, grain, vegetables and fruits. Their large size and resulting high energy requirements mean that they need more food than smaller horses, which can make them more expensive to keep.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS
Unique Characteristics of a Clydesdale Horse
The large size of the Clydesdale horse is perhaps this breed’s most recognisable characteristic, alongside their considerable strength – which has made them popular work horses to this day.
As well as their remarkably large size, Clydesdales display a number of unique characteristics which set them apart from their equine peers.
The Clydesdale horse features significant white feathering on their lower legs: this is both a distinctive feature of this horse breed, making them popular at horse shows and in parades; and a desirable trait to many Clydesdale breeders. The Budweiser Clydesdales, for example, are strictly bred to be bay with white feathering.
The Clydesdale horse is also known for its large hooves, which can measure over 20 inches in diameter.
TEMPERAMENT + BEHAVIOUR
Clydesdale Horse Temperament and Behaviour
The impressive size of a Clydesdale horse may seem intimidating, however this is a gentle horse breed with a calm, easy-going nature. Their breeding as a draught horse means they are hard working and eager to please; they do not spook easily, and are sure footed – which means riding a Clydesdale makes for a smooth experience.
This intelligent breed is easy to train, while their calm demeanour makes them great for riders of all levels; as well as for therapeutic purposes.
HEALTH ISSUES
Clydesdale Horse Common Health Issues
Clydesdale horses are a generally healthy breed, however there are a few health issues to look out for with Clydesdale horses.
Clydesdales can be susceptible to chronic progressive lymphedema: a chronic progressive skin condition in some breeds of draught horse, which causes swelling of the lower legs. There is currently no cure, however management can help to slow the onset.
Due to the heavy feathering on their lower legs, they can also be at risk of skin conditions in this area such as “Clyde’s Itch”, which is thought to be caused by a type of mange. Regular cleaning and grooming of this area will help to keep it healthy and in good condition.
Clydesdales can also get sunburn on their faces; using a good equine sun cream will help to keep this at bay.
GROOMING
Cyldesdale Horse Grooming
Clydesdale horses require a little extra care and attention when it comes to grooming. Their distinctive leg feathering needs to be cleaned well on a regular basis to avoid a build up of dirt, which can lead to skin conditions such as “Clyde’s itch”.
The sheer size of the Clydesdale can also mean that grooming takes a little longer; while their large hooves require daily cleaning and inspection. Clydesdales also need larger horseshoes to match their impressive hoof size: Clydesdale horseshoes can measure over 20 inches in diameter, and weigh over 2kg!
LIFESPAN
What is the Lifespan of a Clydesdale Horse?
The typical lifespan of a healthy Clydesdale horse is between 25 – 30 years.
- Size
- Appearance
- Unique Characteristics
- Health Issues
- Grooming
- APPEARANCE
Shire Horse Size
One of the Shire horse’s defining characteristics is its large size. The Shire horse is one of the tallest horse breeds in the world, with horses generally ranging from 16 to 17 hands tall, although it is not uncommon for the biggest Shire horses to reach 18 hands or more in height.
In fact, it is thought that the largest horse ever documented was a Shire horse: a gelding named Sampson, who was foaled in 1846 and measured a whopping 21.25 hands tall (and 1,524kg heavy!).
Shire Horse Appearance
Shire horses are usually black, brown, bay or grey in colour; and are recognisable due to their large size. They display feathering on the legs; a muscular build; large hooves; and a slightly Roman nose.
The Shire Horse Society stipulates that Shire horses must not be chestnut in colour, while Shire horse stallions should not be roan either; and should not have large white patches on their body.
Shire horses are often compared to Clydesdales, and it is true that Shires and Clydesdales share a number of physical characteristics; as well as both being draught horses. However, the Shire horse is generally larger; more muscular; and with fewer white markings on their body.
Shire Horse Diet and Nutrition
Shire horses are happy to eat a regular equine diet of quality hay, grain, vegetables and fruits. Due to their larger size, they may require higher quantities of horse food to stay healthy and maintain their energy levels, which can make them more expensive to keep.
Unique Characteristics of a Shire Horse
Perhaps the most unique and defining characteristic of a Shire horse is its size: they are known for being the tallest horses in the world. They are also incredibly strong: at a 1924 British exhibition, a pair of Shire horses is said to have pulled a starting load of 50 tonnes!
It is this ability to pull their weight (and then some!) that made them the chosen breed to deliver carts of ale from breweries to public houses in the 19th and early 20th century. While this is no longer a common use of the Shire horse, a number of modern day brewers do still use the breed to pull carts of beer for both practical and promotional purposes.
Shire horses are also recognisable for the feathering on their legs, their large hooves; and their Roman nose.
Shire Horse Temperament and Behaviour
Shire horses are known for their easygoing, calm and patient nature. They are docile and hard working, due to their origins as a draught horse; and are not known for behavioural issues as a breed.
Bred to work in a range of environments, including busy cities, the Shire horse does not spook easily, which means they offer a smooth ride. This is a calm, dependable and manageable horse breed which is great for riders of all levels.
Shire Horse Common Health Issues
While they are a generally healthy breed, there are a few health issues to watch out for with Shire horses.
Shire horses can be susceptible to chronic progressive lymphedema: a chronic progressive skin condition in some breeds of draught horse, which causes swelling of the lower legs. There is currently no cure, however management can help to slow the onset.
Shire horses may also be prone to polysaccharide storage myopathy, another condition which affects some draught horse breeds. Symptoms include sweating, sore muscles, muscle tremors and lameness.
Their heavy feathering also means they are at risk of feather mites and mud fever, so regular cleaning of this area is important to keep your Shire horse in top condition.
Shire Horse Shire Horse Grooming
Shire horses typically require a standard equine grooming routine, although you may need some assistance in the form of a ladder to help in your efforts due to their sheer height!
The feathering on a Shire horse’s legs also needs extra care and attention, as it can easily get dirty and become irritated or infected. Regular brushing and cleaning should do the trick; make sure to fully dry the feathering off after a bath to avoid the growth of bacteria and fungi.
What is the Lifespan of a Shire Horse?
The typical lifespan of a healthy Shire horse is between 25 – 30 years.
Typically used for work, today there are plenty more reasons to choose a Clydesdale horse than for manual labour alone!
With a calm, easy going temperament the Clydesdale horse is a great choice for riders of all levels; and Clydesdale horse riding is a popular leisure pursuit. Their steady, reliable and sure footed nature also makes them a popular choice as a therapy horse. Intelligent, agile and easy to train, they are a good family horse, and are great for trail riding.
While they are not a common choice as a dressage horse, particularly when it comes to competition, Clydesdales are sometimes ridden for this purpose. In fact, the British Dressage Draught Horse Championships were created to allow draught horses such as Shires and Clydesdales to perform dressage in a competition setting.
Clydesdale horses are often chosen as drum or parade horses. The Budweiser Clydesdales perhaps the most well known example of this, while the British Household Cavalry also uses the Clydesdale at a number of ceremonial events.
While no longer their primary use, Clydesdales also find work to this day in agriculture; and are used as carriage horses thanks to their impressive strength.
