Clydesdale FAQ's

This page provides answers to basic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) concerning the Clydesdale Horse. If you have questions concerning registration procedures or other general procedures, please contact us for more information.

What is a Clydesdale?

Clydesdales are a breed of heavy draft horse. Clydesdales originated from Scottish farm horses over two hundred years ago.

How tall are Clydesdales?

Clydesdales can grow to over 18 hands tall. A hand is four inches, so this would be 72 inches, or six feet. A horse is measured from the ground to it's withers. If you feel at the end of a horses mane, you will find a small flat spot, this is the withers. When a horse puts their head down to eat, this is the highest point on the horse.

How much does a Clydesdale weigh?

Mature Clydesdales weigh between 1600 and 2400 pounds, as much as a Volkswagon Beetle.

What are the different colors of Clydesdales?

The horses are mostly bay or brown but can be black or sorrel. Roan (white hair scattered throughout the coat) is often seen. A white blaze face and four white legs are common, but black legs are often found. White spots can occur on the body. A knowledgeable judge ignores color in the show ring.

Why do Clydesdales have so much hair on their legs?

This hair, called feather (or spat where it goes over the horses hoof), originally helped protect the horses legs. Now it is primarily for show.

How much can a Clydesdale horse pull?

It depends on what their pulling. When pulling a wagon, a Clydesdale can pull many times more than its own weight, which is why the Clydesdale was so popular in the cities pulling large wagons of goods.

How big is a Clydesdale's hoof?

Clydesdales are known for the size of their feet One of their horseshoes is about the size of a dinner plate. A thoroughbred race horse has a shoe about half of that size. Horseshoes are held in place with special nails. The nails are hammered up through the shoe and exit the hoof wall. This does not hurt the horse as the hoof wall is similar in structure to a human finger nail.

How much does a Clydesdale eat?

Depending on their age and the amount of work they might be doing, and adult Clydesdale may eat 25 to 50 pounds of hay and 2 to 10 pounds of grain or other supplements.

How many Clydesdales are born each year?

The United States has the largest numbers of Clydesdales, with Canada, Great Britain, and Australia trailing in numbers. There are over 600 new horses registered in the United States annually.

How long is a pregnancy, and how much do foals weigh?

A typical pregnancy lasts for 11 months. A newborn foal can weigh 110-180 lbs. A broodmare (mother to a foal) may produce 100 pounds of milk daily, and the foal can gain up to 4 pounds a day for the first few months of life.

How much do Clydesdales cost?

Clydesdale vary in price based on many factors. Bloodlines, quality, size, age, color, and markings all effect prices. Some Clydesdales may sell for as little as $1000, but most Clydesdales sell between $2500 and $5000. The top level horses sell for prices equivalent to luxury automobiles!

Can you ride Clydesdales?

Yes!! Most equipment manufacturers now offer saddles, bits, & bridles in draft horse sizes. Many owners compete in shows next to more typical riding horses. The Clydesdales are very easy to train and their great style is a hit in the show ring. They also make exceptional trail horses due to their calm disposition.

Where can I learn more about Clydesdales?

Most current owners would welcome the opportunity to visit and answer your questions. During the summer and fall, many Clydesdales can be found competing at state and county fairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn. Each April, the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. holds its Annual Meeting and conducts the National Clydesdale Sale in Springfield, IL. This sale is the largest offering of purebred Clydesdale horses in the world with about 180-200 head of Clydesdale horses being cataloged each year. Educational seminars are held at this event. The Association Office and the Clydesdale Store have clothing, gifts, literature, publications, and membership information at:

CLYDESDALE BREEDERS OF THE U.S.A.
17346 Kelley Rd.: Pecatonica, IL. 61063
Phone: 815-247-8780 or Fax: 815-247-8337

Copyright 2002 Clydesdale Breeders of the USA