Clydesdale, The Most Famous British Horse In The World

Getting to know new horse breeds is the best way to find out about this wonderful animal that, if you live in the city, you can only see on rare occasions. It is said that the love of animals raises the cultural level of people. Knowing more about this species will help you develop this positive feeling, we are sure. Today we are going to tell you about a wonderful specimen: the Clydesdale horse.

What you need to know about the Clydesdale horse

Origin and history

Knowing the origin of the races helps to better understand their behaviors, as well as many of their physical characteristics. Well, where did the Clydesdale horse come from?

This horse hails from the Vale of Clyde (hence its name) in Scotland. Today it has become one of the most famous draft animals in the British Isles. This breed comes from a cross between local mares and Flemish stallions, as well as a small contribution of Shire horses.

In the mid-18th century, massive road interventions were needed to improve the  transport of coal  produced in the Clyde district. This required the use of special machinery, but which the local horses were unable to transport.

Given this need, Flemish horses were imported, known for their incredible strength. Then, they were mated with local mares. And it is at this point that the Clydesdale horse was born. A strong and regal animal, ideal for carrying out very heavy work.

This is the most credible theory regarding the origin of the Clydesdale horse. Although another story tells of the arrival in the United Kingdom of an equine with similar characteristics, for genetic reasons it seems that the influence of the Flemish stallions was decisive for the development of the breed.

Physical characteristics

The Clydesdale is a workhorse, therefore very burly, strong and athletic at the same time. It is worth emphasizing a certain element of elegance that defines and is very typical in British equines.

Its appearance is impressive, since it can reach 183 cm in height at the withers. He is not overly muscled, but his powerful limbs stand out due to the enlarged sole of the hoof. Its coat is generally white on the lower part of the chest. The accepted colors are: bay, vinegar, white, brown, black and roan.

Clydesdale horse character

A draft horse must have a docile and calm character , as it will be exposed to a lot of pressure, both physical and mental. These are the same qualities that you will find in the Clydesdale horse, together with his kindness, his courage and his generosity in the effort.

The Clydesdale horse acts as if it knows, since it was born, that the work it has to do must be done without ever backing down. He always goes out of his way to give the best of himself and without expecting rewards. To its many qualities, loyalty and fidelity are also worth adding  .

Clydesdale Horse Health

Something to highlight about the Clydesdale horse is that his strength and body power is not only useful for the work he develops, but also helps him to be a healthy and very disease resistant animal. It is unlikely that he will get sick and is very long-lived: his life expectancy is around 25 years.

Clydesdale Curiosities

As you can see, the Clydesdale horse is a very special equine. Strong but elegant, powerful but humble. Long-lived and healthy. One of the most interesting curiosities of the breed is that it is even used in some competitions related to draft horses, always breaking all records. In 1893 one of these animals, alone, managed to move the beauty of 128 tons.

Nature will never cease to amaze us. Whenever we discover a new species of animal, we are literally in awe . We are sure the same thing has happened to you, knowing the Clydesdale horse.