What Is a Clydesdale Horse Used For?

The Clydesdale horse was developed by farmers in Scotland. This big horse is approximately 6 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to a ton. It's used to haul heavy loads. Clydesdales were first working farm horses and haulers in coalfields. These strong, nimble and gentle horses are still popular today. With bright white faces and long white feathered legs, Clydesdales bring style to hauling big hitches.

  1. Public Relations

    • In 1933, prohibition was repealed, and August A. Busch Sr. received a gift of a six Clydesdale hitch to celebrate the repeal. The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales have been a part of the company's marketing plan ever since. Many beer and whiskey companies have followed the Anheuser-Busch company and use Clydesdales to haul carts, advertising their spirits. Cities in Scotland have joined in and use Clydesdales to pull carts that publicize local events. Clydesdales also work in the wedding industry, hauling brides to their weddings with elegance and style.

    Forestry

    • Clydesdales are hard at work helping make the world become more "green." Clear-cut logging is destructive to the environment. Ecosystems are destroyed by this practice. Landowners who wish to thin trees on a site, but without damaging the environment, turn to woodland contractors to haul out large trees. Using "Clydesdale horse power" for these extractions is gentle to the surrounding environment. This method is also cost-effective for those who have small landholdings and need only a few trees removed.

    Show

    • Hobbyists around the world breed and show Clydesdales. Shows are held worldwide on a regular basis. Many organizations such as The Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. and The Clydesdale Horse Society exist to preserve and advance the breed. Some farms that once raised Clydesdales as working horses now no longer require these horses to work. Clydesdales live a life of leisure as expensive and yet treasured pets. Their only job is to line their owners display cabinets with ribbons and trophies as best representatives of their breed.

    Riding

    • In recent times, Clydesdales have become a popular choice for riding like any other horse. They are seen in dressage arenas, competing to show their athletic abilities. They also are used as a gentle hack, a horse used for riding, especially by larger individuals. Clydesdales compete as hunters, being judged on the way they move. They also compete as jumpers and are judged on their ability to complete a course of jumps cleanly and with a fast time. Finally they are popular for endurance rides, like trail rides over long distances.