The Shire horse is the closest relative, sharing draft origins, towering size, and feathered legs. Other draft breeds like the Belgian and Percheron are also similar.
16–18 hands (64–72 in / 163–183 cm)
Height
1,600–2,400 lbs (725–1,090 kg)
Weight
About
The Clydesdale (Equus ferus caballus) is a majestic draft horse breed belonging to the family Equidae. Originating in Scotland’s Clyde Valley during the 18th century, these horses were developed for heavy farm and industrial work, particularly hauling coal, plowing fields, and pulling loads through rugged terrain. Known for their size, strength, and striking appearance, Clydesdales have since become symbols of power, grace, and tradition.
Standing 16 to 18 hands high (64–72 inches / 163–183 cm) and weighing 1,600 to 2,200 pounds (725–1,000 kg), Clydesdales are among the largest horse breeds in the world. Their defining features include tall, muscular bodies, broad foreheads, arched necks, and long legs adorned with “feathering”—silky hair that drapes over their hooves. Their coats are usually bay with white markings on the face and legs, though black, brown, and roan are also seen.
Despite their immense size, Clydesdales are renowned for their gentle and willing temperament, often described as “gentle giants.” They are intelligent, trainable, and people-oriented, making them suitable not only for heavy work but also for parades, shows, and promotional events. Their elegant high-stepping gait adds to their dramatic presence, especially in harness.
Historically, Clydesdales were indispensable to Scottish farmers and industries, but their fame spread worldwide, particularly in North America, where they became iconic draft horses. Today, they are best known as the “Budweiser Clydesdales,” a team of impeccably groomed horses featured in parades, commercials, and public appearances.
Beyond their fame, Clydesdales continue to represent strength and reliability while also serving in logging, carriage driving, and leisure riding. With their combination of power, beauty, and kind nature, the Clydesdale remains one of the most beloved horse breeds in the world.
Threatened:
Extinct
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near Threatened
Least Concern
Physical Characteristics
The Clydesdale (Equus ferus caballus) is a large draft horse breed, admired for its size, strength, and striking appearance.
Coat: Common colors include bay, brown, black, and roan, often marked with broad white blazes on the face and white on the legs. Their coats are thick and glossy.
Head: They have a broad, straight profile with large, kind eyes and well-shaped ears, giving them a gentle yet powerful expression.
Body: Clydesdales are massive and muscular, with a deep chest, broad shoulders, strong back, and well-sprung ribs. Their overall build emphasizes pulling power and stamina.
Legs & Hooves: Known for their long legs with distinctive white “feathering” (long hair) around the ankles. Their large, dense hooves support their great weight and strength.
Size:
Height: 16–18 hands (64–72 in / 163–183 cm)
Weight: 1,600–2,400 lbs (725–1,090 kg)
The Clydesdale’s towering size, feathered legs, and graceful yet powerful build make it one of the most recognizable and iconic draft horse breeds in the world.
Reproduction
Mating and Breeding:
Clydesdales reach sexual maturity at about 18 months, though breeders typically wait until mares are 3–4 years old to ensure full physical development. Breeding programs focus on preserving size, strength, and the breed’s iconic feathered legs.
Breeding Methods:
Both natural cover and artificial insemination are used. Due to their size and international demand, semen from prized stallions is often shipped worldwide.
Gestation:
The mare’s gestation lasts about 11 months (335–345 days), usually producing a single foal.
Foaling:
Foals are typically large at birth, averaging 100–150 lbs (45–68 kg). They are precocial, able to stand and nurse within hours.
Parental Care:
The mare provides all maternal care, nursing for 4–6 months while teaching herd behavior and social skills. Stallions do not participate in foal rearing.
Weaning and Growth:
Foals are generally weaned between 4–6 months and grow rapidly, reaching training readiness by 18–24 months, though full maturity may take 5 years due to their size.
The Clydesdale’s reproductive cycle emphasizes careful management to ensure healthy foals capable of developing into strong, reliable draft horses.
Lifespan
In Domestic Care:
Clydesdales generally live 20–25 years, though some individuals may reach close to 30 years with excellent care, diet, and veterinary attention.
Working Life:
Their active working years in farming, hauling, or carriage service typically last 12–15 years, depending on workload, health, and management. Many continue in lighter roles or parades beyond their prime working years.
Factors Affecting Longevity:
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Genetics: Selective breeding for strength and soundness contributes to overall health.
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Care: Regular veterinary checkups, dental maintenance, and hoof care are essential, particularly given their large size.
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Diet: Proper nutrition, including quality forage and grain, supports muscle and joint health.
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Workload: Overexertion or joint strain can shorten working life if not managed properly.
Health Concerns:
Clydesdales, like other heavy draft breeds, may face issues such as joint stress, hoof problems, and chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL), which affects their feathered legs.
The Clydesdale’s combination of size, strength, and gentle temperament, supported by attentive care, allows it to thrive as both a working horse and a companion for decades.
Eating Habits
Diet:
Clydesdales are herbivores that consume large amounts of forage, primarily grass and hay, which form the bulk of their diet. Their size demands greater intake compared to lighter breeds.
Daily Intake:
An average Clydesdale may eat 25–50 lbs (11–23 kg) of hay and grain per day, depending on workload and body condition.
Supplemental Feed:
Grain mixes (oats, barley, corn) or commercial draft-horse feeds are often provided to meet their high energy needs, especially when working.
Water Needs:
They typically drink 20–30 gallons (75–113 liters) of fresh water daily, more in hot weather or during heavy work.
Minerals & Salt:
Free-choice salt blocks and mineral supplements are essential for hydration, muscle health, and maintaining electrolyte balance.
Feeding Behavior:
Like all horses, Clydesdales are natural grazers and do best when allowed continuous access to forage. In managed care, feedings are divided into 2–3 daily meals.
The Clydesdale’s immense size and workload demands require careful feeding management to maintain strength, prevent digestive issues, and support long-term health.
Uniqueness
Iconic Feathering:
Clydesdales are instantly recognizable by the long, silky feathering on their lower legs, a hallmark of the breed that adds elegance to their powerful frame.
Towering Size:
Standing 16–18 hands tall and weighing up to 2,400 lbs, they are among the largest horse breeds in the world, admired for both strength and grace.
Gentle Giants:
Despite their size, Clydesdales are known for their calm, friendly, and willing temperament, making them excellent working horses and companions.
Cultural Symbol:
They are globally famous as the “Budweiser Clydesdales,” representing tradition, heritage, and pageantry in parades and events.
Draft Power:
Bred for hauling heavy loads in Scotland’s farmlands and cities, they remain celebrated for their endurance and pulling ability.
The Clydesdale’s combination of size, feathered beauty, gentle nature, and cultural legacy makes it one of the most recognizable and beloved horse breeds worldwide.
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FAQ’s
1. What species is closest to the Clydesdale?
2. How does the Clydesdale compare to other horses?
Clydesdales are larger than most breeds, with distinct feathered legs and immense pulling strength. Unlike lighter riding breeds, they are built for power, not speed or agility.
3. What national parks provide the best opportunities for seeing a Clydesdale?
As domesticated horses, they are often seen in cultural demonstrations near historic or agricultural parks such as Colonial National Historical Park (Virginia) and in exhibitions near Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri).
