Clydesdale Horse: The Gentle Giants of the Equine World

In case you have ever watched a Super Bowl commercial, where those grand, feathered legged giants are pulling a red Budweiser wagon, then you have already seen the world known Clydesdale horse. But believe me there is a lot more to this breed than good looks and ad fame. Being a person who has been intimate with these gentle giants, I can in the first person tell you- they are sweet as they are tough. This is a guide of all that I have found out about the Clydesdales: their origin, their diet, how to raise one and why you should consider getting one to your life as a farmer, a Clydesdale breeder or simply a lover of horses.

History & Origin: From River Clyde to Global Fame

The Clydesdale horse breed got its start in Lanarkshire, Scotland, right along the River Clyde—hence the name. Local farmers wanted a strong, reliable horse to plow fields and haul heavy goods. They crossbred native mares with big Flemish stallions, and boom—the mighty Clydesdale horse was born. Back in the 1800s, these horses were essential to Scottish agriculture. Eventually, their fame spread beyond Europe.

In the late 1800s, the Chicago Stockyard Company began importing Clydesdales to the U.S., and by the early 1900s, these horses were everywhere—on farms, in parades, and at fairs. The breed’s popularity hit a whole new level when Anheuser-Busch introduced the Budweiser Clydesdales in 1933. That famous hitch team helped celebrate the end of Prohibition and quickly became a symbol of pride, power, and American tradition.

Characteristics: Uniqueness That Sets Clydesdales

Let me paint you a picture: big boned, broad forehead, tall and muscular, with legs covered in silky white feathers. That’s your classic Clydesdale horse. These beauties usually stand 16 to 18 hands high and can weigh anywhere from 1,600 to 2,000 pounds—sometimes even more. Their color patterns vary, but bay is the most common. You’ll also see blacks, browns, chestnuts, and even roans.

Almost all have that signature white blaze down the face and tall white stockings on their legs. Their faces have a slightly convex shape, called a Roman nose, and their manes? Thick and show-ready. The Stud Book and Breed Registry keep track of these horses, especially the ones who meet strict breed standards. If you’ve got a Registered Mare, a Grand Champion Gelding, or a Champion Stallion Foal, you’re looking at some serious show ring potential.

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Nature & Temperament: Gentle Giants of the Horse World

What a person always thinks is that since Clydesdale horseare large animals, then they should be difficult to manage. Nope! These horses are the most calm and people friendly horses I have ever worked with. That is why I term them as gentle giants, they are patient, loyal and are just loving. He/she is also very intelligent which makes the process of training so easy. Be it foal raising or recruiting an already fully-grown adult, you are going to be astonished by the speed at which they learn something new.

That is the reason why Clydesdale horse are good to use in therapeutic work, petting farms, or even in beginner trail riding. They are mellow in nature and so they get along with children, other animals and noisy situations such as parades or shows. You think you might want a family type horse that has a good natured soul, you very well can not miss here.

Food & Diet: Feeding the Heavy Draft Champion

Feeding a Clydesdale horse isn’t too complicated, but you do need to stay consistent. These big boys and girls need more fuel than smaller horses. On average, mine eat about 25–30 pounds of hay each day, along with grain or pelleted feed designed for heavy draft breeds. Quality matters. I stick to high-fiber hay and avoid anything moldy or dusty.

I also use mineral blocks to fill in nutritional gaps and make sure they always have access to clean water—lots of it. What is one large error that I observe new owners making? Overfeeding grain. They are so large it is hard not to feel tempted but too much grain results in colic or laminitis. Be careful as well as consult your vet prior to changing brand of feed. Your horse will appreciate you trust me.

Usage and Purpose: Clydesdale Diversity

Clydesdale horse themselves originally bred to work, to pull wagons and plow fields and do heavy work, true heroes of the working classes. But today? A whole lot more hats are worn by these horses. Of course, still you will find them on farms, especially to do logging, or to do draft work. They have also become front-line workers as show horses, carriage pullers and brand ambassadors. They were turned into world celebrities thanks to Budweiser Clydesdale horse, who have appeared in the adverts of the Super Bowl and during parades, as well as appearing in Clydesdale Carriage Dinner Shows.

They also do great in the ring. At events like the Royal Highland Show and World Clydesdale horse Show, you’ll see them competing in Group Classes, Trail Classes, and even Jumping/Hunter over Fences. Some folks use them for riding, too—especially if you want a smooth, steady gait and don’t mind the height.

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Special Features: Why Clydesdales Steal the Show

Come on, there is no confusion when we are talking about Clydesdale horse. With their feathery legs, enormous hooves and huge body structure, one would think they belonged in a story book. They have more than good looks though. And that high stepping trot a parade-stopper. Their characters too are quite stunning-they are not pushy confident guys but they will just love to be with people.

Some are downright silly too. I once kept a Clydesdale horse mare, who, whenever she thought I had bread crumbs would poke me in the pocket. Spoiler warning: I tend to do so. It is also really good in building good relationship with owners. That is what makes them a perfect therapy animal or family farm animal.

Health Problems and Care: Secret of a Healthy Clydesdale

All the horses need to have holistic treatment so they can be happy and healthy. One of the issues that they are susceptible to is chronic and progressive lymphedema; in the case of lymphedema, these individuals are bound to suffer edema of their lower legs. It generally occurs because of unhealthy hygiene or because of inheritance and therefore; beauty procedures must be made every day. Another concern? Hoof infections. All that feathering looks pretty, but it can trap moisture and bacteria.

I clean and inspect their hooves every day—rain or shine. Vet visits, decent vaccination program, and frequent farrier (6-8 weeks apart) are a must in my barn. I also clean them using mild soaps and do not expose them to painful chemicals. And do not forget to watch changes in behavior. A calm Clydesdale horse that overnight looks rather irritated or stiff might be giving you a hint.

Big Hooves, Bigger Heart—The Clydesdale Horse Is Strength Wrapped in Grace.

Step-by-Step Farming Guide for Raising Clydesdales

The breeding of a Clydesdale horse is an art that requires some knowledge, cares and planning. This descriptive, step-by-step guide will take you through all aspects of the process right up to shelter, feeding, grooming, and carefully attending to the bird on a daily basis. As a newbie or a breeder, this book can be of great help to you when raising Clydesdale horse and they do well in your farm both physically and emotionally.

Step 1: Set Up a Spacious Shelter

Before bringing home a Clydesdale horse, you’ve got to prepare a living space that matches their size and needs. These horses are tall, heavy, and love to move—so tight stalls or low ceilings just won’t cut it. I recommend building stalls at least 14×16 feet, with 10-foot ceilings or higher. Use durable wood or metal walls and rubber floor mats to reduce joint stress. Bedding should be dust-free straw or shavings and changed often to avoid moisture buildup.

Ventilation is key. Draft-free airflow helps keep respiratory issues at bay, especially in colder months. Add ceiling fans or windows with protective bars for light and air circulation. Outside, give each Clydesdale horse 1.5 to 2 acres of pasture with plenty of shade and access to a clean water source. Fencing should be strong, at least 5 feet tall, and made of wood or electric tape—nothing sharp or flimsy. Trust me, these horses lean, push, and play hard. A warm, clean shelter reduces stress, promotes better health, and makes daily care easier. Think of it as setting the stage for everything else you’ll do.

Step 2: Choose the Right Stock

Choosing your first Clydesdale horse isn’t just about looks—it’s about finding a healthy, well-tempered horse that fits your goals. Always start with registered stock from breeders recognized by the Clydesdale Horse Society or farms with a strong reputation like Warm Springs Ranch or the Budweiser Clydesdale program. Ask for complete health records, vaccination history, and proof of registry in the Stud Book.

Watch for common issues like laminitis, chronic progressive lymphedema, or feather mites—especially in the legs and hooves. A healthy Clydesdale horse should have bright eyes, clean feathering, no swelling, and move freely. I spend time observing a potential horse before purchase—checking how it interacts with people, responds to basic commands, and behaves around other animals.

You might like to show, or breed, or just have good bloodlines, then you should consider buying a Registered Mare, Junior Stallion Foal or even a Grand Champion Gelding. You are not only purchasing a pedigree horse but, you will also probably be saving future vet costs and behavior remedial training. You have got to allow time–the most important part of the whole thing is to pick out the horse..

Step 3: Daily Feeding & Watering

It is not only about the amount of food you give a Clydesdale horse but also balancing and regularity. These horses require a daily supply of about 25 to 30 lbs of hay complemented with grain to be fed to working, pregnant or young horses. I feed a combination of high fiber hay (timothy, orchard grass) and supplement them with draft-horse specific pellets to stay within their nutritional requirements. Avoid sweet feeds, which are too rich in sugar and may even bring you health problems. I always have salt licks and mineral blocks in the stall and pasture. These help with hydration and mineral balance.

Fresh, clean water is essential—one horse can drink 10–20 gallons daily, especially in hot weather. I check and top off water buckets twice a day and scrub them weekly. Keep a routine. Horses love knowing when it’s feeding time, and a consistent schedule helps avoid colic. Check on the weight and the body condition of your horse as well as the stool. When something comes up then something may have to be tweaked in your feeding program. Take the feed gradually, observe, and do not make abundant the grain. A properly fed Clydesdale is receptive and is hyper-active and has a coat that is almost radiant.

Step 4: Grooming Routine

Grooming does not only mean being good looking, it is a health check-up. Clydesdale horse have that famous feathered legs, and they are very pretty, but they attract dirt, mud, and bacteria. I begin a routine by using a curry comb to loosen the dirt and brush with a medium-bristle brush to deposit the dirt. Special attention should be paid to the feathering – it should be cleared using warm water and light anti-fungal shampoo in case it looks muddy or wet. Daily hoof picking is essential. Clydesdales have large, deep hooves that trap rocks, mud, and even twigs. Use a solid hoof pick and check for cracks, foul odors, or signs of thrush.

After hooves, I detangle manes and tails with a detangler spray and soft brush, working from the bottom up to avoid breakage. Grooming builds a bond. Horses remember how you treat them, and a calm, patient grooming session can ease stress, build trust, and prevent health issues. You’ll also spot early signs of illness—like swelling, heat, or changes in behavior. And hey, there’s nothing quite like seeing your freshly groomed Clydesdale trotting around looking like a million bucks.

Step 5: Training & Handling

The first word to train a Clydesdale horseis trust. They are intelligent and docile horses, yet also, they are powerful ones, so articulate communication is important. At around a few weeks old I start training them on the halter. Guide them with soft ropes, gentle tugs and verbally. Foals are quick learners given care and time. After they are relaxed about going forward and stop in their tracks, I begin groundwork: walking, stops, back-up and yielding to pressure. This will make them learn limits and make them respectful. I apply positive reinforcement that includes small treats, ear scratches, and the calming voice. Do not shout, yank and be rough. These horses remember both kindness and fear.

By 1–2 years old, you can start introducing them to harnesses or light saddle work, depending on their physical development. If your goal is driving or riding, work with a professional trainer. Clydesdale horse are willing learners, but their sheer size means safety should always come first. Handling a horse that weighs over 1,800 pounds may sound scary, but once you’ve earned their trust, it’s like working with a big, fluffy dog. They’ll follow your lead—literally and emotionally—if you take the time to train them right.

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Expert Tips & Best Practices

• Tip: Groom feathered legs daily to prevent fungal infections—especially after wet weather.
• Rotate pastures to reduce parasites and give grass time to regrow.
• Freeze semen collection from champion stallions for future breeding.
• Join the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society to stay updated on shows and registry info.
• Keep a Facebook page or camera setup for new foals like Dads Pony or VIP Baby Clydesdale Access—it’s a fun way to document growth and spot problems early.

FAQ

Conclusion

Raising a Clydesdale horse is a big commitment, but it’s one that pays off with loyalty, beauty, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re drawn in by their size, their history with Budweiser, or their sweet personalities, these horses bring something truly special to any farm or family. With the right care, space, and love, your Clydesdale can be more than just a showpiece—they’ll become a cherished part of your everyday life.