Characteristics of a Clydesdale

Clydesdales are one of the most well-known horse breeds in the world due to their fame as the "Budweiser Horses." The breed originated in Scotland in the 1700s, and were used as war horses in the past and for heavy labor. The gentle giants have many characteristics that differentiate them from other draught horse breeds.

  1. Height and Weight

    • Although not the tallest of the draught horse breeds, Clydesdales still are very impressive with an average height of 16.2 hands. Since 1 hand equals 4 inches, this makes the average Clydesdale 66 inches, or 5.5 feet, at their withers, which is the highest point on a horse's back at the base of the neck. Many are taller, reaching up to 18 hands. Male and female Clydesdales have different average weights. Males generally are between 1,700 and 2,200 pounds, while female range from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.

    Conformation

    • The conformation of an ideal Clydesdale, which describes their bone structure, musculature and body proportions, is different from other draught breeds in that they have longer legs and a straight facial profile. Many other breeds have shorter, stockier legs and a convex profile. In her breed profile, Jayne D. Wilson explains that Clydesdales also are known to have wide, flat knees and cow hocks, which is when the large joints in horses' back legs point toward each other when looking at them from behind. Clydesdales also have silky, feathered hair on their lower legs.

    Coloring

    • While the best-known Clydesdales are bay, which is a reddish brown coat with a black mane, tail, forelock and black-tipped ears, they also commonly can be brown, black, sorrel or roan, with white hair scattered throughout the coat. White markings on the face and legs are found often on Clydesdales.

    Feet

    • Clydesdales are known for having very large feet. The Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. website claims that the average size of a Clydesdale horseshoe is as big as a dinner plate. Wide, round hooves are ideal for the Clydesdale.

    Temperament

    • Clydesdales are renown for their docile temperament. Their calm disposition teamed with their strength and athleticism make Clydesdales a versatile breed. They excel in carriage driving, pulling competitions, trail riding and driving, dressage and Western riding.