Clydesdale
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Intro
Most famous for their role as the mascot for Budweiser Beer, the Clydesdale is best known dressed up for show. White feathered feet and solid stature infuses the Clydesdale horse with a wise and regal look.
Origins
The Clydesdales origins lie in Clyde Valley, Scotland. Founded between 1715 and 1720 when the 6th Duke of Hamilton imported Flemish horses in an attempt to improve the existing lines of work horses.
Through many years of selective breeding to ensure proper lineage the Clydesdale blood was diluted with Shire blood in an attempt to further refine the breed. The Shire and the Clydesdale are very similar horses in looks and bloodlines.
One of the most successful of the heavy breeds, the Clydesdale went on to become very influential and it’s bloodlines have spread worldwide.
Features
Average height 16.2 hands
Large and active
Renown for high-stepping leg action made all the flashier by their dramatic feathering
Longer hind legs than most draft breeds
Physique
High quality feet, flat and open, now more suited for walking hard surfaces than plowing
Long well formed legs
Long, crested neck
High withers
Silky feather on backs of legs
Straight profile, handsome head
Traditional Colors:
Generally a darker color with white markings on face, legs and belly.
Bay
Black
Gray
Roan
Temperament
Brave and friendly
Bright, active and attractive enough to be very versatile
Pros:
Strong, solid horse, bred to be docile working animals.
Cons:
Sheer size
Use
Draught
Show horse
Forestry work
Patrol horses
Parade horses
Helpful Links
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Clydesdale Cross Sport Horse Association
Clydesdale Horse Society
Canadian Clydesdale Horse Association
Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society
Where to Buy
Clydesdale Studs
Clydesusa.com
O Horse
Stallion Directory
Clydesdale Horse Breed Resources
Clydesdale Art
Nature Artists
Equine Art Guild
jeanner on flickr
Clydesdale Books and Reading
Qld Clydesdale
The Clydesdale Horse
Draft Horses Gentle Giants
