The Clydesdale Horse

The Clydesdale horse originates from Scotland and got its name from the area of the Clyde River that runs through Lanarkshire. Clydesdale horses first started being bred in the 18th century when some imported Flemish stallions came to Scotland to improve the blood of the local farmer’s stock.

Before this how ever, a man called Paterson of Lochlyoch started breeding a race of horses that bore a strong resemblance to the modern Clydesdale horse. He used Shire blood in his breeding which probably accounts for the breed’s huge size.

During the 19th century Clydesdale horse’s were being exported to several continents including North America, Australia, South America and Russia. Clydesdale horses stand around 16.3 to 18 hands high and come in the colours of bay, brown or black, with a sometimes rare chestnut.

They are rather long-legged for draught horses which tend to be much more compact and muscled. They also have a large friendly face with well sloped shoulders and a slight elegant look to them.