- Clydesdale -

The Clydesdale originated in the Clyde region of Scotland during the mid-18th century and replaced the use of the Shire in Scotland. It developed from a tough and hardy native breed and, with the introduction of Belgian Draft and Flemish stallions, started to gain size and bulk. One of the early influential stallions was a horse called Blaze, a native stallion. This laid the roots for the breed and then, during the 1720s, the 6th Duke of Hamilton imported six Flemish Great Horses to further improve the Clydesdale.

The early Clydesdales were referred to as the Clydesman's Horses by local people and they gained recognition and admiration for their enormous pulling power. Infusions of Shire blood added to their bulk, especially during the latter stages of the 19th century, when Lawrence Drew and David Riddel introduced the use of Shire mares. Interestingly these two breeders were convinced that the Shire and the Clydesdale were two branches of one breed. The Clydesdales were widely used throughout Lanarkshire for hauling loads of coal, they began to be used throughout England. Several early influential stallions were Glancer, who foaled 1806, and Broomfield Champion. Broomfield Champion is often credited with stamping his mark on the modern Clydesdale and this was partly through the influence of this son, Clyde.

The Clydesdale Horse Society was formed in 1877 - the Clydesdale was the first draft horse in Britain to have its own society. The Clydesdale has several characteristics which breeders have sought to maintain, namely, their exceptionally tough and hard legs and feet and the activity and energy of their stride. They have one of the most extravagant strides seen in the draft breeds.

The Clydesdale has an attractive head with a straight profile, large intelligent eyes, and a broad forehead. The neck should be curved and well set to slightly sloping shoulders. They should be quite compact through the back, with well-sprung ribs, and muscular hindquarters. They should have broad strong joints and feathering. The modern Clydesdale is smaller than the original type, is usually around 16.2 hh.

As with all draft breeds, they suffered a decline in numbers after the beginnings of mechanization, but have recently again increased in numbers. The Clydesdale is very popular in America, and is famously represented by the Budweiser Clydesdale team.

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