June 2024
WRITTEN BY DANIELÉ BAUBLYTÉ
The Clydesdale
Breed
The Clydesdale is one of largest breeds in the world, typically standing between 16 (163 cm) to 18 hands (183 cm) and weighing between 1,800 (816 kg) to 2,000 pounds (907 kg). They have a distinctive appearance with a well-muscled body, a strong neck, and feathering on all legs. The iconic look of a Clydesdale being a bay coat, white markings and feathers is the most common, but they can also be black, chestnut, and roan. In pulling competitions sanctioned by organizations such as the American Draft Horse Association (ADHA) Clydesdales have pulled weights that can exceed 10,000 pounds (approximately 4536 kg).
The Clydesdale characteristics
The Clydesdale horse breed originates from the Clydesdale region of Scotland, specifically from the River Clyde valley in Lanarkshire. The breed was developed in the 18th century through selective breeding of local Scottish mares with imported Flemish stallions from modern-day Belgium and The Netherlands. The goal of the breeders was to create a strong and versatile working horse for agriculture and heavy hauling.
Origin Clydesdale
Historically, Clydesdales were used as draft horses for agricultural work, logging, and hauling heavy loads. They were also used in urban settings for pulling omnibuses and delivery wagons before the widespread adoption of motorized vehicles. The importation of Clydesdale horses from the United Kingdom to the United States occurred primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as interest in Clydesdales grew among American farmers, breeders, and industrialists. The breed's reputation for reliability and power made them valuable assets in various industries. Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser), the American brewery, imported Clydesdales to the United States in the early 20th century to use in promotional campaigns. Generally, there are more Clydesdale horses in the United States than in the United Kingdom, due to historical importation, breeding programs, and cultural associations.
Clydesdale history
Many often think that Clydesdales are the largest horse breed in the world. The Shire horse, another draft breed from England, surpasses Clydesdales in height and weight. The tallest Clydesdale ever recorded was King LeGear, who stood at an impressive 20.5 hands high (82.5 inches or 209.55 cm at the withers). King LeGear was born in 1913 and lived in Minnesota, United States. He was owned by Charles W. "K. W." LeGear, who operated the farm in Minnesota. As a prominent example of Clydesdale excellence, King LeGear was used for breeding purposes to pass on his desirable traits, including his height and conformation.
Myth or fact
Clydesdale horses can still be seen in public or cultural events, pulling their traditional carts in a old-fashioned style or historical reenactments. In some areas, Clydesdales are still used for plowing fields on farms that practice sustainable or organic farming methods. As well as for leisure riding, carriage rides, or equine assisted therapy. Unfortunately, the breed is considered at risk, and their population has declined over the years due to several factors such as:
Mechanization. The working draft horse breed was no longer needed in large numbers for farming, logging, and transportation.
Cost of Maintenance. Clydesdales are large horses that require substantial feed and care, making them more expensive to maintain compared to smaller breeds. This economic factor led to fewer people breeding and keeping them.
Urbanization. More people moved to cities and away from rural lifestyles, fewer people were interested in keeping and breeding large draft horses.
To save the Clydesdale horse breed from extinction, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, focusing on breeding programs, public awareness, financial support, and regulatory measures.
Why is the population declining?
One of the most renowned Clydesdale stud farms in the world is Anheuser-Busch's Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, USA. Warm Springs Ranch is famous for being the breeding and training facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales, an iconic team of Clydesdale horses that have become a symbol of the Anheuser-Busch brand.
By strengthening breed societies, collaborating with conservation organizations, and advocating for supportive government policies, we can ensure the survival of this majestic breed. The combined efforts of breeders, enthusiasts, businesses, and communities will be crucial in safeguarding the future of Clydesdales for generations to come.
Preserving their legacy
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