Horse
Pronunciation:
ˈklīdz-ˌdāl
Breed Description:
The Clydesdale breed of horse comes from Clydesdale, Scotland, where it was originally used for farm work and later to pull all types of transportation, including coal wagons. Today, Clydesdales are commonly seen at shows and in plowing matches. Clydesdale/Thoroughbred crosses make popular heavyweight riding horses. The Clydesdale breed of horses are usually bay, brown, black or roan, and often have white markings starting at their feet and going all of the way up their legs. Their faces may be mostly white, as well. The Clydesdale breed of horse has a straight profile, with small ears and large dark eyes. The neck is long and slightly arched, with a short and strong back, and a deep chest and body. The hindquarters are well-muscled and have a distinctively rounded silhouette. The legs are long and strong with a large hoof size, usually at least twice the diameter of a light riding horse, such as a Thoroughbred. The most distinctive feature of the Clydesdale breed of horse may be the abundance of feather falling from just below the knees and covering the hooves. The Clydesdale also has a distinctive, animated gait with high hoof action in both the front and rear. In the United States, they are famous as the mascot for Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser brand. Recent preservation efforts have resulted in the breed being reclassified from "vulnerable" to "at risk," with approximately 5,000 Clydesdales worldwide.
Temperament:
The Clydesdale breed of horse has a docile, gentle temperament.
Height:
The Clydesdale breed of horse stands 16-18 hands high for females and 17-19 hands high for males.
Weight:
The Clydesdale breed of horse weighs 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Clydesdale breed of horse is prone to sunburn (due to the lack of pigmentation on their faces), as well as to a skin condition affecting the lower part of the leg under their feathers.
Life Expectancy:
The Clydesdale breed of horse generally lives 20 to 25 years.
Grooming:
As with every domesticated horse, the hooves of the Clydesdale breed of horse should be inspected daily for signs of injury or infection or injury. In addition, Clydesdales have wispy manes that may require extra grooming.
Origin:
The Clydesdale breed of horse is at least 300 years old, and originated in Clydesdale, Scotland, The Clydesdale is thought to have developed from the cross breeding of local mares with larger English and Flemish stock for use pulling farm equipment and carriages. The Clydesdale breed later spread to northern England and was exported to Australia and New Zealand, as well as to North America, for agricultural work and transportation.
