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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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