The Clydesdale

The Clydesdale is a breed of heavy draft horse developed in and deriving its name from the district in Scotland where it was founded. Its type was evolved by the farmers of Lanarkshire, through which the River Clyde flows. The old name for Lanarkshire is Clydesdale.

The Clydesdale is a magnificent horse, many reaching over 18 hands (72 inches) tall.  A member of the large draft breeds, which also includes the Belgians, Percherons, and Shires, the Clydesdale originated in Scotland in medieval times. 

The most common color in the Clydesdale breed is bay. Black, brown, and chestnut are also seen with roans (solid body color with white hairs throughout the coat) in all of the colors. The preferred markings are four white socks to the knees and hocks, and a well-defined blaze or bald face.

The show ring does not discriminate on color with light roans and horses with dark legs being considered equally with horses of the more solid colors and traditional markings. The increased popularity of big hitches has directed more attention to color in recent years and the stabilization of color patterns.

For anyone desiring an active yet tractable, intelligent, stylish yet serviceable draft animal for work, show, or simple pleasure - the Clydesdale merits his or her most serious consideration.

Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A.

Home Shire Clydesdale Belgian Draft Horse Percheron Boulonnais Comtois Gypsy Vanner Horse Lithuanian Heavy Draft American Cream Draft Horse Spotted Draft Horse Suffolk Draft Horse Rhineland Heavy Draft Vladimir Heavy Draft Soviet Heavy Draft Ardennais Jutland Breton