How to Raise a Clydesdale

Clydesdales are one of the celebrities of the horse world, having long appeared in beer commercials. These heavy draft horses originated in Clydesdale, Scotland, and were originally used to pull plows and wagons on farms. Clydesdales are very large horses, standing between 16 and 19 hands and weighing up to 2,200 pounds. Raising a Clydesdale is hard work. These large horses have special needs to ensure they are raised to be healthy adults.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine where your Clydesdale will live. If the horse will be kept in a stall, you will need to clean the stall daily, ensuring the horse has absorbent, comfortable bedding. Clydesdales are very large horses, meaning they will be more comfortable in a stall that is larger than the standard 12-by-12-foot dimensions. Clydesdales also need fresh water to drink in their stall, as well as hay. A Clydesdale kept in a stall needs outdoor access for exercise and to keep him relaxed and happy. Make sure you allow adequate turnout time for your Clydesdale. If the horse is kept in a pasture all the time, be sure he has access to a shelter. Pasture-kept Clydesdales should be checked every day to ensure they are not injured.

    • 2

      Feed your Clydesdale high-quality hay and grain and provide clean water. Horses are grazing animals that should have access to grass or hay at all times. Clydesdales are large horses that eat and drink much more than a smaller horse, meaning their water and hay supply needs must to be checked at least twice a day. Grain should only be fed if the Clydesdale needs the grain's nutrients and extra energy. Consult with your veterinarian about whether you should feed your horse grain. It is extremely important for your horse to have a constant supply of clean water. Horses will not drink water that is dirty and murky, and they can quickly becoming dehydrated.

    • 3

      Groom your horse regularly. The very basic grooming a horse needs involves a curry comb, body brush and hoof pick. The curry comb is used in circular motions on the horse's body to knock off and break up large clumps of mud and dirt. The curry comb should not be used on the Clydesdale's sensitive legs and face. Use the body brush to brush all the dirt away from the horse's body, legs and face. A hoof pick is used to scrape rocks and dirt out the hooves. Clydesdales have long hairs on their lower legs called feathers. The feathers should be kept clean and dry to ensure that the skin underneath does not become irritated. Clydesdales also have thick manes and tails that require regular attention. Brush the long mane carefully with a body brush or comb, working through tangles with your fingers. Take the same approach with the tail, which is best brushed with your fingers and a detangling spray.

    • 4

      Schedule regular veterinarian and farrier appointments for your Clydesdale. The vet should see your horse at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in fall for shots and a checkup. The vet will also look at your Clydesdale's teeth to determine if they need to be floated, which is a process where the sharp tips of the teeth are filed smooth. The vet will also look at the overall condition of your Clydesdale and decide if your horse's feeding program needs to be adjusted. A farrier should see your Clydesdale every six to eight weeks to trim his feet and replace the shoes if he is shod. Clydesdales have large feet that need regular care to ensure that they don't chip or crack.