Clydesdale
Origin
Scotland
History
The Clydesdale originated in the Clyde Valley, Scotland. The breed was founded between 1715 and 1720, when the 6th Duke of Hamilton imported Flemish horses to improve and increase the size of the native draft stock. At the same time John Paterson of Lochlyoch also brought in Flemish horses, probably from England, and founded a strain that was to be a major influence at least until the mid-19th century.
Glancer 335 is recognized as the breedīs foundation sire. Glancer was the son of "Lampitīs mare", who was foaled in 1806, and was believed to be descended from the Lochlyoch strain. His descendant, Broomfield Champion, sired Clyde (or Glancer 153), who left a particular mark on the breed through his sons.
Clydesdale horses were used on the farms and for coal hauling. The Clydesdale Horse Society was founded in June 1877 and the first volume of the stud book was published in December 1878.
Two notable 19th-century breeders were Lawrence Drew, steward to the 11th Duke of Hamilton at Merryton, and his friend David Riddel. Both were dedicated to the improvement of the Clydesdale. They were committed to the introduction of Shire mares and firmly believed that Shires and Clydesdales were two wings of one breed. Riddell was also one of the first breeders to export Clydesdales, creating a tradition that was to become the hallmark of subsequent Clydesdale breeders. Indeed, the Clydesdale is among the most successful of the heavy breeds and can be found in Germany, the former USSR, Japan, South Africa, Canada, the US, New Zealand and Australia.
Description
- Head:
usually straight rather than convex; big and bright eyes; great width across the forehead - Conformation:
-well arched, long neck
-sloping shoulders
-deep body, with clearly defined withers higher than the croup
-big quarters
- hind legs longer than in many other breeds
-strong hock joints
- sound and hard-wearing hooves
-heavy, silky feathering on the lower legs - Average height:
16.1 to 18 h.h. - Colour:
usually bay or brown, but greys, roans and blacks are also found - Temperament:
they are active and lively but also have a gentle and willing nature - Today:
they are still used in forests and in cities. They are often seen in driving and pulling competitions. They are a favorite feature in parades.
