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Clydesdale

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#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm looking into buying a Clydesdale in Texas,Kansas,Arkansas,Louisiana or Alabama...but haven't found any.also would like to know more about them.


Moderator note: This new member has also posted another very similar thread 'Looking into a Clydesdale'. The threads are now merged (combined) into a single thread in the Draft forum, where one was originally in New to Horses forum.

Hopefully this will be helpful in reducing duplication of efforts to those kindly giving the OP advice. :)
 
#2 ·
How much horse experience do you have? And what land/facilities do you have? Do you know what you're planning on doing with the horse?
Draft horses can be a lot of work just due to their size, although they're known for their calm and laid back temperaments. I've honestly never met a nasty clydesdale...it's good that you're doing some research though
 
#4 ·
As the others said, it's best to do your research before committing to a draft horse. I own a draft cross who takes more after the draft side in temperament and size.

Firstly, his sheer size is intimidating...and he's not even as big as some drafts get. He's 17hh and hasn't finished filling out yet (he's only 6). My fiance, who is a Marine and one of the most fearless people I know, is completely intimidated by him. Even other horse people are a bit cowed by his size. Clydesdales are generally even bigger than my boy is.

Second, finding tack for him is a challenge. He wears a draft-size halter and bridle, but unfortunately we live in the land of the QH, TB and Arab. If I want quality, I either have to have it custom made or take my chances buying online, which can be pretty hit or miss. Either way, it costs a lot more...even the cheap junk. I'm dreading the day he stops growing and I finally get him fitted with a saddle. He's still filling out and already is in FQHB in a western saddle and a wide tree in an English saddle. Just like in plus-size clothes, anything bigger is more expensive.

Lastly, drafts may be docile and even-tempered, but you have to be prepared to deal with any tantrums. When a draft says "I don't wanna," it's not like a light horse giving you the same attitude. It's 2000lbs of sheer muscle making sure you know that it knows it can have it's way, regardless of what you say. They require a certain finesse in handling that is different from a light horse. They can often tolerate more punishment as well, so your timing and how big you make your responses is critical.

If you have experience with horses, then handling a draft should be okay. But, if you've never been around horses before, I'd say look elsewhere for a first horse, regardless of how pretty they are.
 
#6 ·
What are your plans for the horse? Are you wanting a full clydesdale or a cross? I've seen some lovely clydes crossed with TB I wouldn't mind having, but I don't think I could handle a full draft.
 
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#7 ·
What will you use a Clydesdale for Chelbi? It isn't often people come on the board and want a draft horse..I have two Percheron mares and am knowledgeable about drafts.

Clydesdales are nice horses, they are tall, usually around 18H or so, their feathers take A LOT of work to ensure they don't get scratches/mud fever, burs, mud balls, or sores. A lot of farriers will not do a draft unless you have shoeing stocks and even then it is a gamble. Getting a saddle, accessories, is a bit of a challenge at times as well and there is never a guarantee it will fit.
 
#10 ·
Clydies are awesome I reckon. But curious too why you definitely want this breed? And also if you're not new to horses, know you definitely want one, what exactly is it you're wanting help/opinions on?
 
#13 ·
They're big. They have a lot of feathers. They're generally easy keepers.

Sorry if that sounds sarcastic, but vague questions tend to get you equally vague answers.

Anything specific you want to know about them? What is your intended use for the horse? What has drawn you to clydes over other breeds?
 
#16 ·
OP -
Here are a few things that could help us answer questions. You say you want one for riding. What type of riding? English, Western, Dressage, Trail Riding, Jumping? This could help someone give you more info.

Things to consider. A Clydesdale is outside the scope of "normal" horse size. I've never owned one, but knew someone who did. She had to have a special stall built for him at the boarding barn because he was too big for a normal stall. He was only 3 and still growing. Transport. A Clydesdale won't fit in a standard horse trailer. Say you wanted to go trail riding with friends or need to haul him to the vet. Will you have an oversized trailer or know someone with one that can handle transport? All tack for this horse will have to be specialty and likely ordered online. I have a draft cross mare and my local tack stores have NOTHING that would fit her. She is waaay smaller than a Clydesdale. If you are boarding, will your barn/stables take in a full draft? Can they accommadate a full draft?

What attracts you to this breed and are you prepared to handle one? Lots of things to consider, so in order for members to provide info, you first, have to provide a little info about yourself and goals for the horse. Otherwise, the vague question you asked is something that could simply be answered through Google.
 
#17 ·
Clydesdale were bred as a working breed to pull things. They're "cold blooded" horses which generally means they have a slower metabolism and are generally more chilled. They're slow to mature and tend to have reasonably nice temperaments.

Keeping them can be more tricky in the way that you need bigger stalls, bigger trailers and bigger tack. All this comes at a premium. You might also come across farriers reluctant to work with them and other workers intimidated by their size.

Due to a conformation designed to pull rather than carry weight they're not the ideal riding horses. People often think that because they are large they can carry more weight but I think a ridden breed like a stock horse, Arab etc is going to be more capable than a Clydesdale.

Their conformation also means that many disciplines of riding aren't going to be quite as easy for them.

obviously these are just gwneralisations but what I am getting at is that they Are their own distinct breed with benefits and limitations. For many they're not the ideal horse and certainly not the most practical. Others love them.

I would urge you to look for a horse that suits your needs rather than what you want a horse to look like. Any other breed information can easily be found by googling them. As I said it can be a good idea to get in touch with breeders. They might be able to give you a bit of insight and advice.
 
#18 ·
I'll add they metabolize meds differently as well and if your vet isn't used to handling or medicating a draft there could be problems. The two that I had that had surgery we found out really quick even the equine specialist wasn't prepared. The first they laid down and folded up on the surgery floor and still had to sit on him to do the surgery as once he was in the room it was full. The other I think they just did in the main aisle or out in the pen rather than risk not being able to get her up or out.
 
#21 ·
Feed depends on the horse, but drafts have a much slower metabolism. The TB I had on trial that was getting 9lbs of grain a day, plus hay and pasture and still fairly thin. My draft cross gets 1lb a day and could still needs to shed some weight. She's also on a low starch feed. If they're at a good weight and health, you simply maintain what the previous owner was doing and adjust according to activity.

You will most definitely need a bigger saddle.
 
#20 ·
Depends on the horse. The clydesdale at my barn gets bermuda grass and alfalfa. Some are prone to IR and can't have alfalfa. Grain usually isn't needed at all, even in winter.

As for not needing a bigger saddle...I call bull-pucky. If my draft cross (who isn't done filling out) has almost outgrown FQHB, then a full draft, especially a clydesdale (they tend to be among the bigger drafts) probably isn't going to fit in anything smaller than FQHB and will probably need full draft bars.
 
#23 ·
As with what everyone else said...here is a recap, please consider this carefully as I am thinking that a draft may not be right for you, that a light horse is. A draft isn't for the faint of heart and as they age, they have medical issues and don't live as long.

*You will need a strong heavy duty fence, they will and do lean on them. Hot wire along the top is advisable. Each of our poles the board was attached to is sunk in concrete for a reason. They will STILL break boards by leaning on them, scratching, or a well placed kick.

*Blankets are harder to find if you need one. When you get a blanket for a draft you really need to be spot on with your measurements as if it is an inch too short it will rub and they do become annoyed/irritated.

*They can be ridden but depending on the side of the draft, do take longer to cool down. They are not the fastest moving animal in the group, can take longer to mature and their joints to fuse and mature as well, it is strongly suggested to get x-rays of their knees to ensure proper growth and health.

*A draft does metabolize anesthesia a lot differently than a light horse and it has been shown in some that less is better to sedate them for minor things. They can be stubborn, do not like to be roughly treated or trained. Many are quick to learn.

*Their tack costs a lot more and you cannot scrimp on their equipment. It takes some doing to get a good fitting saddle, a good harness, or anything else for them.

*Many farriers will refuse to shoe a draft or will not do them unless they have impeccable manners or you have a shoeing stock. Call the farrier you intend to use and ask if he will do a draft and if he has knowledge of their hooves. My own farrier, who does shoe and trim drafts, has different set of rasps, clippers, clamps, shoes, and nails he has with him, they do cost more often times as well. Right now, I pay $95 to get front shoes on and the hind hooves trimmed.

*It is advisable that the stalls be bigger in case you have to put them in. They, like any other horse, like a bit of space to move, lay down and stretch out.

*Feed wise, we leave round bales out all the time, they will go through one in about a week or so. Again, as they age, it may be a bit harder to keep weight on them, depends on their background, what was done to them, their breed, and what you intend to do with them. Both my Percheron mares are on senior feed now for various reasons. Shots are the same price wise as a light horse, as is basic care. Hay we feed good orchard grass, field grass, a bit of clover, and they do fine.

*A draft loves to have a job and a purpose and they will excel if they trust their owner. Once you win their trust there isn't anything they won't do for you. Just because they are big doesn't mean they are dumb and sometimes trainers forget that.

*Hooves are a BIG thing with the drafts....many breeders are not breeding for soundness, but for height and you have to look at their whole conformation. Are their hooves in good order? Bone, is it nice and thick, good density, a nice straight back? How do they stand? Are they sway back or cow hocked? Teeth? Is there an over or under bite? If you have a bad hoof I can tell you from personal experience you will be battling that for the entirety of their life.

*If you can lease a draft before you own one so you know what your getting into. I have seen too many people get a draft, only to realize they are just too big, too much to handle/ride/work with and they either get thrown out into the pasture or sold from person to person to person.
 
#25 ·
What exactly are you worried about? If your worry is the quantity of feed, chat with the horse owner, or your barn owner, or your horse trainer, or your feed provider.

If you concern is with the size of tack available shop on the internet for oversized tack...

Not really sure what your question means.
 
#28 ·
It isn't just the hay, riding tack, harness, shoes, etc. that need to be specially purchased for an animal as large as an average Clydesdale. My sister runs a carriage company, and one of her Percherons (generally smaller than a Clyde) is 19hh. He can't be used on many of her carriages because he is too tall; the shafts end up pointed skyward! A Clyde is often wider, too, and may not fit between the shafts of standard carriage; this is one of the reasons you most often see them working in teams!

Yes, Clydesdales are absolutely beautiful, and generally have a calm demeanor, but the aren't designed for riding, and they are a LOT of horse!
 
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