Clydesdale Horse Information

Clydesdale Horse Information

Clydesdales were originally worked in the coalfields in Lanarkshire, and also for pulling carts through Glasgow's streets. Stallions from Belgium and England were imported to achieve the desired breed of long legs and large feet which was necessary to work in the Scottish soil. What we know as the modern day Clydesdale horse was the result of this.
Such was their reputation, the breeders in Scotland ended up exporting the Clydesdale horses to the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. In this day and age, Clydesdales still play an important part in their native Scotland, and are prized throughout the world. In fact there is one very large and popular brewery in the United States which uses Clydesdales, exclusively, for pulling replicas of its original beer wagon in parades and at special events around the country. They make it possible for you to view these horses close-up in their temporary stables. They are often thought of as goodwill company representatives. And they're very good at it too.
Clydesdales nowadays normally range from 1600-2000 lbs. They usually stand 16 to 19 hands high (162.5 to 193 cm, or 64 to 76 in) to the shoulder. Though larger than the original Scottish breed, the large feet, solid legs and characteristic looks of the original Clydesdale horses have been retained. Coats are normally vivid with a white face, and one of the most popular traits is the four white socks starting at the nee which are usually feathered. The legs are usually "feathered" in white hair from the knees down, and the most common color is a bright bay. It's not uncommon however to see Clydesdales in black, brown and chestnut colours. It is fine to accept these for purebred registration.
It's widely regarded that Clydesdale horses are strong, agile and intelligent despite being a well-built horse. They carry a great deal of finesse due to the way they naturally hold their heads high. One can see the strength, agility, and docility in their stance even while they are stationary.