Clydesdale

The Clydesdale is a large Scottish draft breed with powerful conformation, distinctive leg feathering, a calm nature and impressive pulling strength.

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Breed information

Country: Scotland
Height: 170–185 cm
Weight: 800–1100 kg
Coat: dense coat; commonly bay or dark bay with white markings, with black and grey also seen
Suitable for: heavy driving, agriculture, forestry, parades, shows, agritourism and carriage work

Tags

horse heavy draft driving horse calm Scotland

Rating

Breed characteristics

Activity 7/10

Trainability 8/10

Good with children 9/10

Shedding 7/10

Guarding 5/10

Care 7/10

Description

About the breed

Overview

The Clydesdale is a large Scottish draft horse with a broad chest, powerful shoulders and strong back. Long silky feathering on the lower legs is especially distinctive. Petsi lists a height of 170–185 cm and a weight of 800–1100 kg.

History

The breed developed in the eighteenth century in Scotland’s Clyde valley, where local mares were crossed with heavy European stallions to produce useful farm and transport horses.

Use

Today Clydesdales appear in parades and shows, work in harness, support agritourism and are sometimes used in therapeutic programmes.

Temperament

Temperament and behavior

Temperament

Despite their size, Clydesdales are generally good-natured, calm and trainable. Consistent cues and respectful handling are important with any large draft horse.

Care

Care and keeping

Care

High body mass makes hoof, joint and weight management important. Leg feathering should be kept clean and dry. Good forage, water and mineral balance form the dietary base, with extra energy matched to workload.