The Clydesdale horse

The Clydesdale is a Scottish breed of draught horse. It is named for its area of origin, the Clydesdale or valley of the River Clyde.

The origins of the Clydesdale horse lie in the seventeenth century, when Flemish stallions were imported to Scotland and mated with local mares.

Shire horses were also introduced into the bloodline in the nineteenth century.

The first recorded use of the name "Clydesdale" for the breed was in 1826, as the horses spread through much of Scotland and into northern England.

The early breeders of Clydesdales, including the Duke of Hamilton, played a crucial role in refining the breed's characteristics. The aim was to create a robust and powerful horse capable of navigating the demanding terrain and supporting the burgeoning agricultural and industrial activities of the time.

The Clydesdale has an imposing stature and distinctive feathering on the lower legs. Originating in the early 18th century along the banks of the River Clyde in Lanarkshire, Scotland,

Clydesdales quickly became indispensable in the British countryside, excelling at tasks like ploughing fields and pulling heavy carts. Their strength, coupled with a gentle temperament, endeared them to farmers and industrial workers alike.

In the early twentieth century numbers began to fall, both because many were taken for use in the First World War and due to the advent of mechanisation in agriculture.

The breed was considered endangered in the 1970s. Numbers have increased slightly since then, and the Clydesdale is now principally a carriage horse.

They are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and are often featured in parades, agricultural shows, and promotional events throughout the UK.

Image is from Wikimedia