The Clydesdale horse has become an American icon, synonymous with Budweiser beer. The breed has much to offer, with their flashy good looks, strength, and easygoing personalities making them a favorite of equestrians and the general public. They originated in Scotland and were popular workhorses for generations before transitioning to a pleasure role.
Breed: Clydesdale horse
Adult Weight: 1,600-2,400 pounds
Adult Height: 17-18 hands (68-72 inches)
Origin: Scotland
Use: Draught, show
Colors: Bay or brown with white markings
Features: Silky, feathered legs, stylish movement
Lifespan: 25-30 years
Character: Gentle, with noble features and a willing attitude
Gait: Stylish gaits that are powerful and cadenced
Best for: All levels of riders
Clydesdale Horse Characteristics
The Clydesdale horse characteristics of today aren’t what they were in earlier times. Today’s horse is strong and muscular, with a neck that elegantly arches out of a sloping shoulder. The Clydesdale horse head is broad in the forehead and muzzle with large, wideset eyes. Their legs are straight and the hooves are the size of a dinner plate.
Size
Modern Clydesdale horse height is taller than the breed originally was, with horses standing between 16 and 18 hands. There are members of the breed, especially stallions, that easily top 18 hands. (1) They are one of the tallest horse breeds, with only Shires, their British neighbor, being taller.
A Clydesdale foal is about nine hands tall, or three feet at the withers when it is born. They grow each year until reaching their full height around age four, and full maturity at age six.
Clydesdale size increased in the 1940s. Breeders wanted taller, flashy horses that could be used in parades and shows. They went from being one of the smaller draft horse breeds to one of the tallest.
Weight
Clydesdale horse weight is between 1,600 and 2,400 pounds, with weight being dependent on height. Although they are taller than most of the other draft horse breeds, they weigh less, being a leaner, more athletic body type. This was again by design, breeders wanted a flashy horse for parades and shows.
A Clydesdale stallion will weigh more than a mare, and foals weigh between 110 and 180 pounds, with 150 pounds at birth being average.
Their bone structure allows for energetic gaits and lively action in the legs – perfect for any parade. The sloping shoulder and hip help elevate the knees and hocks. The hock bone is pointed and pronounced, otherwise the legs bones are flat and clean.
Colors
The beautiful Clydesdale horse is usually bay in color. A white blaze on the face and white socks on the legs are also common. The bay color with white markings is preferred by many, so breeders have tried to produce more horses with this color. They also garner higher purchase prices.
White spotting, usually on the underside of the belly, can also occur. Other Clydesdale horse colors are black, grey, and chestnut.
Sabinos can also occur, but it’s among the rare Clydesdale horse colors, along with black. The sabino coat color pattern where the horse has white legs, a white blaze, and white ticking in their mid-section, making them appear like a white Clydesdale horse.
Temperament
Draft horses like Clydesdales are called cold-blooded horses, and this influences their temperament. Clydesdale horse temperament is considered calm, affable, not prone to spooking, and highly intelligent.
Many people feel like they know the Clydesdale horses because of the Budweiser commercial, showing gentle horses with big hearts. This is an accurate depiction of the breed.
Since modern horses were bred for parades and shows, the Clydesdale horse behavior is also animated and spirited, while still kind and controlled. They have a happy spark that makes them shine in front of crowds.
The breed does not have its own set of rules with the United States Equestrian Federation, and instead uses the general rules, therefore, children cannot exhibit stallions. (2)
Clydesdale Horse Care
Clydesdales aren’t high-maintenance horses but do require daily care. They are smart horses, and you may need to double lock doors and gates to keep the horses from opening them.
A horse is a long-term commitment, the Clydesdale horse lifespan is between 25 and 30 years. Horses’ care includes their diet and nutrition, health care, grooming, and exercise.
Diet and Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for horses, the same way it is for humans. Equine diet and nutrition include hay and grass, also referred to as forage, grain, and nutritional supplements.
Plenty of clean, fresh water is the most essential nutrient for all horses. The Clydesdale horse breed requires more feed and water than other horses because of their larger size. (1)
Equine owners should work with their veterinarian or an equine nutritionist to make sure the Clydesdale diet is balanced.
Veterinarians recommended that horses consume 1.5 to 2.0% of their bodyweight in forage daily. (3) The horse’s age and amount of work will change this, and horses in heavy work often require grain too. (3)
Health Problems
Unfortunately, the Clydesdale breed does have some health problems. First, the pink skin under the white hair, especially on their faces, can sunburn.
They can also develop a skin itch, thought to be a type of mange, under the heavy feathers on their legs. It’s worst in the pastern area and careful grooming and cleaning can help prevent the “Clydesdale itch” as it’s called. (4)
Genetic problems are limited to chronic progressive lymphedema. It’s more prevalent in draft horse breeds and causes leg swelling.
Left unchecked, it causes permanent scar tissue. Symptoms are that horses stamp their feet and rub their legs trying to relieve the pressure. While there isn’t a cure, progression can be slowed. (5)
Grooming
Clydesdale grooming is a daily occurrence to maintain the horse’s beautiful coat and health. Grooming involves a curry comb to stimulate the oils in the skin, a dandy or stiff brush, a finishing brush, a hairbrush, and a hoof pick. (1)
Most Clydesdale horse owners use a step stool to ensure they are reaching all parts of their horses.
Left unchecked, it causes permanent scar tissue. Symptoms are that horses stamp their feet and rub their legs trying to relieve the pressure. While there isn’t a cure, progression can be slowed. (5) The hooves need to be cleaned daily, and frog health should be monitored for any signs of deterioration. (6) Check for “Clydesdale itch” and clean the pastens at the same time as the hooves. (4)
The Budweiser Clydesdale hitch as grooms whose only job is to ensure the horses are groomed and looking their best. (7)
Clydesdale Horse History
Clydesdale horse history is filled with ups and downs, then a triumphant return to popularity and worldwide fame. The breed began in the mid-1700s in Scotland, and careful breeding developed their distinct characteristics.
Horses were exported throughout the world as workhorses. Mechanization changed how horses were used, but the breed found a new recreational role.
Origin
Flemish stallions were taken up to the River Clyde area of Scotland to improve the horses locals owned. They started recording pedigrees and Clydesdale horse origin in the early 1800s. In 1826, the term Clydesdale was first used. Clydesdale societies formed in the United Kingdom in 1877 and in America in 1879. The Clyde style horse was shown at local events, and stallions selected as the best then traveled through the area and bred mares. Early uses were in agriculture and hauling coal and heavy transport in the Lanarkshire area. Thousands of horses were exported throughout the world for similar work, with over 20,000 leaving Scotland in a 63-year period that ended in 1945.
Ownership Costs
The Clydesdale horse cost of ownership adds up quickly, expect to pay between $1,770 and $12,930 each year for your horse. This is in addition to the initial purchase. The total depends on your geographic location, the type of board your horse has, what your horse needs, and how much grass is available.
Most of us only think about the purchase price before we invest in something new. But the full Clydesdale price includes the ownership costs each year, for the entire lifespan of the horse, or until you sell them. While these costs do add up, owning a Clydesdale is fun and rewarding.
Board
Clydesdales – and all horses – need protection from the elements and a safe place to move around. Paying for this barn or shelter and pasture is called board. Clydesdale horse board cost can be anywhere from $1,200 to $7,200 per year, depending on the facility and amenities. Clydesdales need more space than other horses because of their size. (10)
Feed
A Clydesdale needs 25-50 pounds of hay each day, this feed provides their diet and nutrition. Working horses also need between two and 10 pounds of grain daily. Grass can be used to supplement hay. Clydesdale horse feed cost is $250 to $4,380 per year, usually on the higher side. (10)
Veterinary Care
Horses need routine veterinary care as both a preventative measure and to identify health issues before they become untreatable. Clydesdale horse veterinary cost is $250 to $350 per year, and this includes vaccinations, dental care, and deworming. Any injuries or medical issues will have an additional cost, up to as much as $1,000. (10)
Hoof Care
Those hooves need maintenance and protection by a farrier. Expect to pay $120 to $1,000 annually for the hooves to be trimmed and for shoes if necessary. The Clydesdale horse hoof care cost ensures the horse has healthy feet that are trimmed every six to eight weeks, which helps prevent lameness and other issues. (10)