Working Mairi
She was given to the Museum as a gift and
demonstrates historic farming machinery at Wester Kittochside
events. Have a look at the slideshow to see what Mairi gets up to
on the farm.
The Clydesdale Breed
The Clydesdale horse is a native breed which comes from
Lanarkshire. The breed dates back to the 18th century, when native
horses of Lanarkshire were bred with Flemish stallions in an effort
to produce greater weights and substance.
During the first decade of the 20th century, Scotland had around
140,000 farm horses plus an unknown number in towns and cities,
most of which were Clydesdales.
Clydesdales were conscripted by the army to serve in First World
War. During the Second World War, the agricultural industry was
required to generate produce in ever greater quantities, and this
could only be achieved by extensive use of the tractor. Sadly,
horses were replaced by mechanical power.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the Clydesdale was recognised by the
Rare Breed Survival Trust as “vulnerable”. Over the years and with
the increase in breed numbers, it is now categorised as “at
risk”.
Qualities of the Clydesdale
- Male or female, a Clydesdale should look handsome, weighty and
powerful.
- Hoofs must be wide and springy.
- The hair covering the hoofs should be silky.
- The forelegs and hindlegs must be planted closely
together.
- The head should have a nice open forehead, broad between the
eyes, a flat profile, wide muzzle, large nostrils, a bright
intelligent eye, big ears and an arched long neck.
- The back should be short and strong.
- The most common colours are bay and brown with white markings
however blacks, greys and chestnuts are occasionally seen.
Clydesdales today
The popularity of the Clydesdale is growing continually.
Although there are only approximately 700 registered brood mares in
the United Kingdom and about 100 registered stallions, more people
are using Clydesdales, not just for showing and driving, but for
farm work, horse logging and even riding.