{"id":423,"date":"2010-08-09T02:41:12","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T02:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=423"},"modified":"2025-04-02T14:12:37","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T14:12:37","slug":"clydesdale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/clydesdale","title":{"rendered":"Clydesdale Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Considered the pride of Scotland, the Clydesdale is a heavy draft breed native to Lanarkshire in Scotland (the districy used to be called Clydesdale).
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Originating in the middle of the 18th century, when Flemish stallions were imported with the goal of producing more robust animals out of local stock. The first stallion was imported by the Sixth Duke of Hamilton. He was brown or bay and the Duke allowed his tenants to cover their mares free of charge. Another influential stallion was one purchased by John Paterson of Lochlyloch, he was black with what sounds like Sabino white markings. This animal made a name for the Clydesdale branch out of Lochlyloch.<\/p>\n

Before long the lineage of this breed changed to more dam focused and centers on a filly purchased in Carstairs in 1808 who is essentially a grandmother to the breed. She was thought to be a descendant of the Lochlyloch line and produced a plack colt called Thompson’s Black Horse (or Glancer), Farmers Fancy and Glancer I. All three of which are believed to have given rise to the handsome Clydesdale type we know today. <\/p>\n

Scotland reached its peak draft horse production early in the 20th century, exporting animals as their popularity grew outside the border. During WWI Clydesdale horses were conscripted, although in WWII the rise of mechanical power saw their need decline. This trend continued into the late 20th century when they were listed as vulnerable. <\/p>\n

According to DAD-IS, they are listed as at risk and as of 2021 there were only 169 left. The Equus Survival Trust lists them as critical with an estimated global population of between 5000-6000.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 17-18 hands
\nRenown for high-stepping leg action made all the flashier by their dramatic feathering
\nLonger hind legs than most draft breeds<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Handsome head with straight profile and broad forehead
\nEyes are bright and clear
\nEars are large
\nLong, crested neck
\nShoulder is oblique
\nHigh withers
\nBack is strong
\nHindquarters are long and muscular
\nLong, well formed legs
\nSilky feather on backs of legs
\nHigh quality feet, flat and open, now more suited for walking hard surfaces than plowing<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors:<\/h3>\n

black<\/a> | grey<\/a> | bay<\/a> | roan<\/a> | pinto<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Brave and friendly
\nBright, active and attractive enough to be very versatile<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Draft
\nShow horse
\nForestry work
\nPatrol horses
\nParade horses<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

*All links open in a new window<\/small>
\nClydesdale Horse Society<\/a>
\nCanadian Clydesdale Horse Association<\/a>
\nCommonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society<\/a>
\nClydesdale Cross Sport Horse Association<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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Video<\/h3>\n