History
When Flemish stallions arrived in Scotland in the mid-18th century; they were bred with local mares and produced foals that would go on to create the Clydesdale breed. Almost all Clydesdale’s today can trace their ancestry back to a filly born in 1806 by the name of “Lampits mare.” The Flemish stallions were extinct by the mid-19th century but the Clydesdale horse carried on their features.
At its peak, Scotland had around 140,000 farm horses plus an unknown number in towns and cities, most of which were Clydesdales in whole or part were being used in agriculture and trade such as pulling milk and freight wagons, logs in forestry and several other hauling tasks. Clydesdales are famous for working long and hard. Clydesdales also served as war horses, transporting heavily armed soldiers. Thousands of horses were enrolled in the First World War and farms became increasingly mechanised and sadly the number of Clydesdales started to decline.
The deterioration of the breed continued between the wars and following the Second World War, the number of Clydesdale breeding stallions in England dropped from more than 200 in 1946 to 80 in 1949. By 1975, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust considered the Clydesdale vulnerable to extinction. Even to this present day the Clydesdale horse are still branded as being “at risk”.
Present day
Clydesdales in the 21st century are not only being used for their traditional purposes of driving, farm work and logging. They have become more popular as a ridden horse and kept by a wide variety of owners for many different purposes. People with a love of Clydesdale are not only rediscovering uses for the breed, but the associated skills such as harness making and shoeing are increasing.
The Clydesdale has a long history, and it has established itself as one of the most iconic draft horses in the world. Standing tall and capable of pulling up to eight tons, its immense size and formidable strength made it perfect for agricultural work back when “horsepower” described equines and not engines. Whether hitching them to a carriage or use them for riding, the Clydesdale won’t easily tire or falter.
Camlough Cavalier aka Alfie
I would class myself as one of the lucky ones, as I have had the pleasure of owning a Clydesdale called Camlough Cavalier aka Alfie for the past 5 years. Alfie is 7 years old and is my first heavy horse. Alfie is a gelding that stands at 18hh and is my pride and joy and is a true stamp of the breed.
Alfie is used mainly for hacking and long reining. We partake in the heavy horse shows and enter in the in-hand classes. It takes time and dedication to turn these horses out to a high standard for the show ring and for beginners it can certainly be a daunting task. Thankfully there are knowledgeable heavy horse owners who are only too happy to offer advice and help. The Shire Society organise a Heavy Horse Camp for people to learn about heavy horses and give them the chance to attend a wide variety of training sessions run by experienced owners. On the last day of the camp there is a show that we all attend which gives you the chance to put to practice all what you have learnt.
In my opinion I would say since owning a Clydesdale I see more people reporting on social media that they are looking to buy or have just purchased one of these beautiful breed. The number of heavy horse owners may have increased, but they are still deemed as being at risk.
I would say the most common question I get asked is why did you buy a Clydesdale? My reply is simple: Why wouldn’t I, they have striking features, magnificent in stature and kind and gentle. When I am out hacking, I often get stopped and asked questions about Alfie. The public love to take pictures and are captivated by his size and presence, and they are most flabbergasted by his gargantuan hoofs.
Heavy Horse County shows highlight this beautiful breed with other stunning heavy horse breeds to members of the public; however the shows have seen the number of public attendances decline over the years and sadly due to the Covid 19, many shows were cancelled.
The passion and love a heavy horse owner has for this breed is without doubt unquestionable. However, it is vital that we continue to raise the awareness and survival of the heavy horse breed and highlight the wonderful nature and beauty of the Clydesdale horse.
Facts
The Clydesdale Horse Society of Scotland formed in 1877.
The most common colours are bay with white markings; other colours exist, including pinto patterns. They tend to have significant white markings due to the sabino gene. Colours such as blacks and chestnuts are rarely seen in the UK.
The white markings of a Clydesdale are characteristic and it rare to see a Clydesdale without a white blaze and considerable amount white on its feet and legs.
The feathers on a Clydesdale should be ample and feel silky to touch. Based on the history, the first breeding of Clydesdales had feathers to help them in the cold temperature during winters.
The Clydesdale horse was used to serve Queen Elizabeth II. Clydesdales were chosen as the horse to carry a drum for the cavalry band into the royal service in the Household and still complete this role to date.
A Clydesdale will generally stand between 17hh and 18hh with some mares being slightly smaller and some stallions and geldings being slightly bigger.
Clydesdales’ feet can be as large as dinner plates and often need their shoes made for them.
Clydesdales are very hardy, even in the coldest of conditions.
Clydesdales are beautiful movers with a high stepping gait and showy action. They should be free moving in both walk and trot. Clydesdales are often described as graceful and elegant to watch, which makes it one of the most elegant of the heavy horses.
The Clydesdale name is taken from Clydesdale or valley of the River Clyde, much of which is within the county of Lanarkshire, Scotland (previously known as Clydesdale) this is where it is believed that the Clydesdale originated from.
Despite the Clydesdale horse breed’s massive stature, it has an easy-going disposition. The gentle giants are ideal as family horses and for individuals with limited equine experience. Their calm demeanour and intelligence make them easy to train, and can be describe as happy horses that love to play and prance.
Kerry Jackson
Instagram @camlough_cavalier_clydesdale
