The Clydesdale horse was developed in the early 19th century in the Lanarkshire district of Scotland. This district was formerly known as the Clydesdale district. The purpose in developing the breed was to meet the agricultural needs of the farmers locally. The horse was also developed to meet the commerce demands for the local coalfields in Lanarkshire and to haul the heavy loads on the streets of the Glasgow area. The use of the breed was quickly spread to all areas of Scotland as well as northern England.
The popularity of the Clydesdale horse flourished in the late 19th century. This popularity led to the exportation of the horse to the countries of New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Canada. Remarkably, the Clydesdale is the only draft breed in its native country of Scotland. It also remains a favorite draft breed in all of the nations that are aforementioned.
Although most farms today use tractors, the beloved Clydesdale is still put to work in the industry where tractors are not wanted or are not able to go. The breed is very versatile and this is evidenced by the number of increasing equine activities that it is used for. The horse remains very popular for use by carriage services. It is well suited for this job and receives lots of public admiration while on duty. It is not uncommon to find the breed in attendance of parades as they pass the crowds with their high stepping hooves.
During the latter part of the 20th century, there was a resurgence in the popularity of the Clydesdale horse breed. A major part of the Clydesdale business became the breeding and showing of the breed. In addition to the equine competitions of dressage and jumping, the Clydesdale excels in the line and harness events that echo its Scottish heritage and tradition.
Today, the average Clydesdale horse will stand between 16 to 19 hands tall and weighs between 1600 and 2200 pounds. This is much larger than the original Clydesdale horse from Scotland. However, there is one feature that had remained the same over the years and that is the substantial underpinning of the breed. Although the horses are larger today than in the past, they are not considered to be big, ugly and ungainly animals. They are instead a quality horse with a head that is considered to be fine, eyes that are intelligent, with an excellent pace and fluidity in their movements. With their willing and wonderful temperament, the Clydesdale is considered to be a gentle giant.
The gentle giants are being used increasingly as public relations and marketing tools. There are many city councils in Scotland that keep Clydesdales as publicity tools as they work in the city parks departments. The Clydesdale is also put to use in weddings as they sport their finery and escort brides and grooms in carts or in carriages to and from the church. This makes the memorable day even more memorable for the lucky participants. The strength, intelligence, docility and agility of the Clydesdale make it a welcome partner in work and in play.
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