Clydesdale horse

The Clydesdale is a powerful draft horse that originated in Scotland in the 18th century in the valley of the River Clyde. The breed has been known in the U.S. as the beer manufacturer Anheuser -Busch, it shows as the Driving Force in commercials for Budweiser and used as a mascot. Tours of the brewery in St. Louis and Fort Collins as well as in the co- owned by the Group Amusement parks Busch Gardens include visits to the Clydesdale stables.

Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.

Exterior

The modern Clydesdale reaches a weight to about 1000 kg, the Height is 163-193 cm (16-19 hands). It has an expressive, not too big head, strong neck, low withers, a strong back round to sloping, well muscled croup, and stubby legs with big hooves and lush Fesselbehaarung.

The horses are all Sabinoschecken, which represents the spotting usually by four white boots and a lantern or wide blaze on his face. The coat color is mostly brown.

Interior

The Clydesdale is considered as an excellent workhorse and offers next to a huge performance by temperament, willingness to work, strength and character.

Breeding history

The Clydesdale was bred from about the 18th century as a war horse and workhorse in Scotland. The breed is probably based on native mares were mated with great English and Belgian stallions. The breed was quickly successful and, later exported horses to northern England to other countries of the Commonwealth. According to the Clydesdale Horse Society a total of 20,183 animals were exported 1884-1945. The Clydesdale suffered after the Second World War, the fate of all workhorses: it was replaced by machines and no longer needed. Only in a few niches in the world of work, in which machines can not be used or should it could hold. Meanwhile the population has recovered somewhat since Clydesdales are highly valued as a show horse.