Clydesdale Horse: Breed Profile

f youve ever seen a horsedrawn Budweiser parade youve probably marveled at the majestic steeds. These are mighty Clydesdale horses one of the most recognizable heavy horse breeds. Clydesdales are easy to spot thanks to their large stature trademark feathering around their legs and highstepping gait. But despite their imposing size theyre typically very gentle easygoing and trainable horses that can be a joy to work with.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT 1600 to 2400 pounds
HEIGHT 16 hands 64 inches to 18 hands 72 inches

BODY TYPE Long silky feathering on legs round feet broad forehead arched long neck
BEST FOR Owners and riders of all levels
LIFE EXPECTANCY 20 to 25 years
Clydesdale History and Origins
The Clydesdale was developed in Scotland during the late 18th and early 19th centuries in what is now known as the Lanarkshire district. The River Clyde flows through the area and gave the Clydesdale its name. The breed first arrived in North America when Scottish settlers brought horses to Canada. In the late 1880s the regal horses were introduced in the United States where they were used to plow fields power machinery pull wagons and perform other tasks that required their formidable strength and endurance.
As machinery began to replace heavy horses in industry and agriculturerendering true horsepower needlessClydesdales came very near to extinction. Their conscription in World War I also contributed to the populations decline.
The Clydesdale Horse Society formed in 1877 as a breed registry. Nowadays breeders and enthusiasts work to ensure the survival of the Clydesdale. The largest numbers of Clydesdales are found in the U S. where around 600 additional horses are registered each year. The United Kingdom Canada and Australia follow the U S. in the breeds population.
Clydesdale Size
Clydesdales are among the tallest horse breeds standing between 16 hands 64 inches and 18 hands 72 inches on average. Their imposing height is matched by their weight which tops 1600 pounds. The stallions often stand taller and weigh more than the mares.
Clydesdale Breeding and Uses
Clydesdales were developed to work hard and long. In their early history they were used as war horses carrying heavily armed soldiers. They have pulled agricultural implements hauled logs in forestry pulled freight and milk wagons and performed other general hauling tasks.
Today they are used for both riding and driving and they are frequently crossed with thoroughbreds to develop strong levelheaded sport horses. They are still occasionally used in agricultural work and logging but they largely