Clydesdale horse

Our beautiful Clydesdale horses are one of the star attractions at the National Museum of Rural Life.

The Clydesdale horse is a native breed of Scotland originating from the Lanarkshire area.  It was originally bred for heavy farm and industrial work and can be seen working as draught horses, in logging, driving and agriculture.  Clydesdales can also be ridden and are often seen this way at shows.

The Clydesdale breed was founded in the early eighteenth century when two breeders, John Paterson of Lochlyoch and the 6th Duke of Hamilton, imported Flemish stallions and mated them with native draught mares in the Clyde valley.

The Clydesdale's popularity peaked immediately after the First World War. In 1920 the Clydesdale Horse Society's stud book recorded a record number of entries, 6,870.

At its peak, Scotland had around 140,000 farm horses, most of which were Clydesdales or part Clydesdale.

Today, Clydesdales are listed as vulnerable by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with only 500-900 remaining.

A Clydesdale demonstrating logging at the Heavy Horse Show © Andy Catlin

The Clydesdale was originally being bred for heavy farm and industrial work but its large open hooves were better suited to city work than narrow arable furrows. It is noted for its high stepping, showy action, which makes it one of the most elegant heavy horses. 

• The Clydesdale stands on average 16.2 hands* high, although some animals are taller. 
• It has a straight nose, big ears and a well-arched long neck. 
• It has a broad, clear outline, well proportioned with the body depth balanced for height.
• It has well-defined withers and a short back making it a powerful workhorse.
• Its quarters should be long, have strong thighs and broad and clean hocks.
• Its legs should be well endowed with a fine silky feather. 
• The colour is bay, brown or black with much white on the face and legs, often running into the body to give a roan appearance. Chestnuts are rarely seen.
• It has an alert temperament, docile disposition and easy to control.

* The unit by which the height of a horse is measured. 

Clydesdale horse terminology ©Andy Catlin

In keeping with the traditions of the farming in Lanarkshire, the Wester Kittochside farm at the National Museum of Rural Life is home to Clydesdale horses. Meet them up at the farm or in the fields.