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What is a Clydesdale?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A Clydesdale is a type of draft horse, meaning that it has been bred to be a working animal, pulling heavy carts or drays filled with various goods. These horses are famous in the United States in their role as mascots for Budweiser beer, and they also enjoy an iconic status in Australia and the United Kingdom. Sadly, despite their fame, the Clydesdale breed is considered to be “at risk,” meaning that careful conservation to conserve the breed is required. Oddly enough, Anheuser-Busch, the manufacturer of Budweiser, is actually doing a great deal to preserve the breed, as it owns and breeds Clydesdale on numerous farms across the United States.

This horse breed was developed in the Clyde Valley of Scotland, and it is closely related to the Shire horse, another draft horse breed. Clydesdales have several adaptations which make them well suited for life in the cold regions of Scotland, including thicker bodies and heavier coats to protect them from the elements. The breed emerged as a recognizable and distinct type of horse around the mid-18th century, and it quickly came to be a very popular draft horse breed in the United Kingdom.

The tractor has replaced the Clydesdale as a farm workhorse.
The tractor has replaced the Clydesdale as a farm workhorse.

Like other draft horses, the Clydesdale has a body which is built for serious work. The horses have extremely muscular hindquarters and shoulders which allow them to pull heavy loads, along with compact torsos. Clydesdales have classically small, Roman-nosed heads with wide set eyes, and they are famous for their feathering, long tufts of white hair which run from their knees to their ankles. As is the case with draft horses in general, the Clydesdale is an extremely gentle, friendly, and patient horse.

The Clydesdale is a popular draft horse breed in the UK.
The Clydesdale is a popular draft horse breed in the UK.

Despite the fact that the Clydesdale has a very heavy build, these horses are famous for being extremely graceful. They have a high-stepping gait which fans of the breed characterize as “joyous,” and the horses are known for being show-offs, even while at work. A well bred and trained hitch of Clydesdales can be quite a sight, especially when the horses are color-coordinated. Since many people enjoy seeing draft horses in action, some breweries in various regions of the world maintain teams for the purpose of showing, and in a few parts of Britain, Clydesdales still make beer deliveries, as they have been doing for centuries.

Like other working animals, the Clydesdale's place in society was disrupted by the introduction of the engine, which allowed people to replace horses with tractors, trucks, and other mechanized tools. The Clydesdale experienced an extreme downturn in popularity as farmers found themselves unable to keep their horses and keep pace with mechanization, and for a brief period, the situation for the Clydesdale was quite dire. Fortunately, a community of people interested in breeding and showing draft horses has emerged, and it seems unlikely that this breed will be lost entirely, although it may remain rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Clydesdale horse?

A Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse that originated in the Clyde Valley of Scotland. Renowned for their size, strength, and gentle temperament, Clydesdales typically stand between 16 and 18 hands tall and weigh up to 2,200 pounds. They are often recognized by their bay coat, white blaze, and feathering on their lower legs.

What are Clydesdales used for?

Historically, Clydesdales were used for heavy farm and industrial work, pulling carts, plows, and heavy machinery. Today, while they still can perform draft work, Clydesdales are more commonly used for show, parades, and promotional purposes. Their calm nature also makes them suitable for riding and therapeutic programs.

How much does a Clydesdale eat in a day?

Clydesdales, due to their large size, have substantial dietary requirements. A Clydesdale may consume between 20 to 25 pounds of hay and 2 to 5 gallons of grains like oats or barley daily. They also require access to clean water, with an intake that can exceed 30 gallons per day, especially when working or in hot weather.

Are Clydesdales an endangered breed?

While not currently classified as endangered, Clydesdales have experienced fluctuations in population. According to the Livestock Conservancy, they are listed as "Watch" status, indicating that fewer than 2,500 annual registrations occur in the United States and less than 10,000 globally. Conservation efforts continue to ensure their preservation.

How long do Clydesdales live?

Clydesdales have a lifespan similar to other horse breeds, typically living between 20 to 25 years. With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and good living conditions, some Clydesdales can live into their 30s. Their longevity is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and overall health management.

What makes Clydesdales unique compared to other draft breeds?

Clydesdales are distinguished from other draft breeds by their unique appearance, which includes a bay coat with white markings and significant feathering around their hooves. They are also known for their high-stepping gait. While they share the strong build typical of draft horses, Clydesdales are particularly prized for their friendly demeanor and versatility.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

cmsmith10

Clydesdale horses are well known for having four white legs and white blazes. This is due to the Sabino gene. You will sometimes see Clydesdale with white spots on the body. That is not the most desirable pattern and is due to breeding with Sabino horses. Clydesdale's have an amazingly gentle temperament.

The average lifespan of a Clydesdale is between 20 and 30 years.

wesley91

The Clydesdale horse is also known as the “gentle giant”. They are very popular in parades and they also make excellent carriage horses. Many people still use the Clydesdale’s in agriculture instead of tractors.

The Clydesdales average anywhere from 16 to 20 hands in height. They weigh in at between 1600 and 2400 pounds. They can eat up to 50 pounds of hay per day and up to 10 pounds of grain.

SnowyWinter

My aunt and uncle are Clydesdale breeders and they also offer Clydesdale stud services. They say that the Clydesdale's are the best working horses they have ever had. They use theirs in the fields every year.

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    • The tractor has replaced the Clydesdale as a farm workhorse.
      By: Andrey Bandurenko
      The tractor has replaced the Clydesdale as a farm workhorse.
    • The Clydesdale is a popular draft horse breed in the UK.
      By: vasosh
      The Clydesdale is a popular draft horse breed in the UK.