Clydesdale (breed)
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Clydesdale_horse.jpg
The Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse named after and derived from hard-working farm horses of Clydesdale (now Lanarkshire), Scotland. They are perhaps most famous for their use as the mascot of beer company Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser brand.
Thought to be over 300 years old, the breed was once extensively used for pulling heavy loads in both rural and urban settings in the Commonwealth and United States. Today, the Clydesdale's most significant presence is in exhibition and parade.
With an estimated global population of just 5,000 individuals, the Clydesdale is recognised by the Rare Breed Survival Trust as "at risk".
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Characteristics
Clydesdales are noted for their rugged grace and versatility; they are strong yet amiable animals exceeding 18 hands (1.8 metres or 6 feet) in height and over one ton (2204 pounds) in weight. Primarily a reddish brown to black in colour, Clydesdales have distinctive tufts of white or black hair on their lower legs known as feather. Nowadays chiefly for show, this hair was first developed to protect the horses' legs.
The coat may also have white spots or hair dispersed evenly; the latter variation is known as roan. The muzzle is also typically white. Hoof size is another distinct feature of Clydesdales; their hooves are twice the width of a thoroughbred race horse's.
Foals are born after an 11-month pregnancy and may weigh up to 82 kilograms (180 pounds). They are fast growers and for the first few months gain up to 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) per day; a mother is capable of producing over 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of milk per day in order to support this rate of development.
History
Further developed to meet the practical needs of early 19th century Scotland, the Clydesdale is thought to have arisen from the mid-18th century cross breeding of local mares with larger English and Flemish stock perhaps originally developed for use as warhorses.
The breed was well received owing to its agile strength and docility, soon spreading to northern England and later exported to other Commonwealth countries, namely Australia, and New Zealand; Clydesdales were first shipped to North America in 1840, and later to South America, Russia, Austria and Italy. Exports peaked in 1911 with a recorded 1,617 stallions trading hands. According to the Clydesdale Horse Society (formally founded 1887), between 1884 and 1945 20,183 animals were exported.
As a beast of labour, Clydesdales had been largely replaced by tractors and other heavy machinery by the end of World War II. However, the horses are still used in situations where machines are unwanted or inferior, such as "eco-friendly" farming and logging operations. Clydesdales are now most often seen in competitive agricultural exhibitions such as state, county and national fairs.
At one time there were at least 140,000 Clydesdales known in Scotland; by 1949 just 80 animals were licensed in England and by 1975 the Rare Breed Survival Trust had listed the breed as "vulnerable". Clydesdales have since seen a resurgence in popularity and population, resulting in the breed's status being reclassified favourably as "at risk". Clydesdales are now most numerous in the United States where over 600 foals are reportedly born each year.
In show and private use
Clydesdales are judged primarily for their build, temperament and agility. The legs and hooves are given close attention, as their size and capability must be true to the breed; the hooves should be "open and round like a mason's mallet" and the legs straight and muscular, with an overall balanced and plumb look. The forehead should be broad and flat; the head should be held high and the stepping gait high and long; the feather or leg hair should be long and silky so as to emphasise this gait. The neck should be long and arched; the nostrils and ears should be large.
Size is also a factor, but more important is the build of the animal; its appearance should be that of a strong, healthy and weighty beast without excess bulk. Colour and pattern are generally not considered, although coloration should be vivid and faces a bright white.
Aside from their use in traditional agriculture, Clydesdales are also ridden under saddle. They are used in both therapeutic and recreational trail riding.
See also
External links
- The Clydesdale Horse Society (http://www.clydesdalehorsesociety.com/)
- Clydesdale Breeders of the USA (http://clydesusa.com/index.htm)
- Rare Breed Survival Trust (http://www.rare-breeds.com/html/rare_breeds.html)de:Clydesdale