The country of Scotland is known for lots of wonderful and iconic things like bagpipes, castles, and the Loch Ness Monster, but did you know it’s also the original home of Clydesdale draft horses?
Bold, Brilliant, Beautiful!
Clydesdales are easy to spot—they stand out in a crowd with their bright bay coats and flashy white stockings. They’re known for their height, substance, and the abundance of silky feathering on their legs. Best of all, they’re also known for their kind and trainable dispositions.
The earliest Clydesdale horses got their start as farm horses several centuries ago, and were originally developed by crossing Flemish stallions (similar to Belgians) with local draft horse mares. Over the years, breeders began to focus on and fine-tune the characteristics that made the Clydesdale breed unique, naming them after the region of Scotland formerly known as Clydesdale.
The Clydesdale Horse Society in the United Kingdom was established in 1877, and it was only two years later that Clydesdale enthusiasts in America started their own organization, known today as the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA, or CBUSA.
Clydesdales were enormously popular in Scotland during the early part of the 20th century, but as happened with so many draft breeds, the transition from farm horses to tractors resulted in decreased demand for these gentle giants. Consequently, the population of Clydesdales fell dramatically.
Today it’s believed that there are fewer than 5,000 Clydesdales worldwide. The breed is currently listed as “threatened” on The Livestock Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List in the United States, and as “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the U.K. But here’s some good news: the CBUSA registers approximately 400 new horses each year, which shows great promise for a bright future for Clydesdales in the United States!
More Than Meets the Eye
People often equate Clydesdales with draft driving: fantastic hitches of up to eight Clydesdales pulling magnificent wagons or carts, perfectly matched and trotting in sync. It’s an inspiring sight to behold.
This association is, of course, heightened by the enormous fame of the popular Budweiser Clydesdales. These Clydesdales have been an integral part of Budweiser promotion since 1933—that’s 90 years! They still tour the U.S., giving eight-horse hitch demonstrations, and they also appear regularly in Budweiser’s commercials during the Super Bowl. (The commercials have racked up millions of views on YouTube—people love those Clydesdales!)
Although Clydesdales are synonymous with draft hitches, they do much more than drive. While they still excel at farm work when given the opportunity, they’re also a delight under saddle. Their stunning good looks make them fun to show in halter or showmanship classes.
The CBUSA is eager to encourage youth exhibitors, which is why they offer a Clydesdale Youth All-Around Program. This program allows youth participants ages 9-18 the chance to earn points by participating with a Clydesdale in shows and other events.
Another program—the Clydesdale Versatility Program—isn’t specifically aimed at youth, but is tons of fun for participants of all ages. The program encourages the versatility of Clydesdales and allows participants to track their hours spent with a Clydesdale in all kinds of activities, from grooming and groundwork to riding and driving, and even just time spent bonding with the horse. You don’t even need to own a Clydesdale to participate!
If you’re ready to embark on an exciting equestrian adventure, join the fun with a Clydesdale—they’re big horses with even bigger hearts.
Clydesdale Fast Facts
◆ Clydesdales range in size from 16.2 to 18 hands. (Some are even taller!)
◆ Most Clydesdales are bay or brown, but black and chestnut are also seen. The breed’s iconic white markings usually include tall stockings, wide blazes, and roaning on the body.
◆ In order to be chosen for one of the Budweiser Clydesdale hitches, horses must meet the following criteria: be at least 4 years old, at least 18 hands tall, and bay with a blaze and four stockings. Only geldings are chosen. (The mares stay home to raise the next generation of adorable Clydesdale foals.)
This article about the Clydesdale horse appeared in the May/June 2023 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!
