Games of Knowledge | Sports and Exercise

Posted By Games Guy on February 26, 2010

This large breed of draught horse can be traced back to the 19th century Clydesdale, now Lanarkshire area of Scotland. Clydesdales were in demand for both commercial and agricultural settings due to their large size.

The coalfields of Lanarkshire and the streets of Glasgow are where the Clydesdale horses first made their work debut. As they would be working on the Scottish soil, large feet and long legs were needed, so stallions were imported from England and Belgium for breeding purposes. As a result the founding line of the modern Clydesdale horse was created.

Due to the excellent reputation of the Clydesdale horses, they were exported to The US, Cananda and as far south as Australia by the Scottish breeders. In this day and age, Clydesdales still play an important part in their native Scotland, and are prized throughout the world. In fact there is one very large and popular brewery in the United States which uses Clydesdales, exclusively, for pulling replicas of its original beer wagon in parades and at special events around the country. They allow these superb horses to be viewed at close distance in their temporary shelters. They are regarded as company goodwill ambassadors. Most would say rightly so.

Clydesdales nowadays normally range from 1600-2000 lbs. They usually stand 16 to 19 hands high (162.5 to 193 cm, or 64 to 76 in) at the shoulder. Though larger than the original, breeders nowadays retain the large feet, sturdy legs and distinctive appearance of the first Clydesdales. Coats are normally vivid with a white face, and one of the most popular traits is the four white socks starting at the nee which are usually feathered. The legs are normally feathered with long white hair, and the most usual colour for a Clydesdale is bay. You can however see Clydesdale horses in other colours such as brown, chestnut and even black. These are more than acceptable to be registered as purebreds.

The general concensus is that Clydesdsales are a stockily built breed, which display stength, finesse and agility. They naturally adopt a high-head position giving them a proud appearance. The Clydesdale shows it’s calm temperament, strength and prowess even when simply standing still. Once seen performing, Clydesdale horses are an awe-inspiring site which leave a lasting impression!

Visit the Horse and Pony Directory, where you can find more information and horses for sale.

Category: sports games
Tags: Agricultural Settings, Beer Wagon, Close Distance, clydesdale, Clydesdale Horse, Clydesdale Horses, clydesdale horses for sale, Clydesdales, Concensus, Distinctive Appearance, Draught Horse, Goodwill Ambassadors, Horses, horses for sale, Lanarkshire, Long Legs, Native Scotland, Original Beer, Scottish Soil, Sturdy Legs, White Face, White Hair, White Socks