Clydesdale
good-natured, attentive, willing to work
Origin
Clyde Valley, Scotland
Withers height
163–183 cm
Draught workDrivingShow
Traits & strengths
- ✦high, ground-covering action — striking for a draught horse
- ✦distinctive white markings and abundant silky feathering
- ✦good-natured and easy to handle
- ✦internationally recognised carriage horse with great show presence
Breed-typical predispositions
Chronic progressive lymphoedema (CPL)
Disease →one of the most affected breeds — regular checks of the lower legs, keep feathering short, consistent skin care
Pastern dermatitis
Disease →the dense feathering encourages trapped moisture in the pastern folds
Sunburn on unpigmented skin
Disease →the large white markings on legs and face are light-sensitive — shade and protection in summer
Latest findings
CPL in heavily feathered breeds
ongoingClydesdale and Shire show the highest documented CPL prevalence; changes often begin before the fifth year of life and go unnoticed under the feathering for a long time.
Source · Equine CPL research — draft breeds