Why a Clydesdale ……… Well, Why Not?

The Clydesdale - a draft horse that originated in Scotland, has become a well-known “Gentle Giant” to the World! Folks from all walks of life are quick to say, “Oh I love the beautiful Clydesdales” or "Hey, are not those Budweiser horses?"

Clydesdale - "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

I am sure many of you are intrigued enough to begin thoughts of owning a Clydesdale. And you may find yourself asking……. Why a Clydesdale? The simple answer to this question is totally…. Why not? The Clydesdale horse is a majestic breed. They are smart, trainable, dependable, and beautiful to say the least. They are a perfect breed for all ages of people as they have an uncanny way of adapting their behavior to fit the needs of the owner and person handling them. Many people are intimidated by their size, but once you get around them and work them a bit, their size becomes familiar and is not an issue.

The versatility of the breed is a real draw to owning one! They can literally “do it all! ”With the proper training a Clydesdale can go from working in the field, to showing at halter and hitching, to riding, to raising foals, and more!

I have been lucky enough to be able to work with many people that have only dreamed of having a Clydesdale. With great thought, research, references, and planning, thedream is not that impossible.

Search your desires and needs for a Clydesdale.

• What do you want to do with your Clydesdale?
  

• Do you want a gelding, stallion, or mare?
  

• Do you have a preference in color?
  

• Do you have proper barns, shelters, stalls, pasture for a Clydesdale?
  

• Do you want a young Clydesdale to break in as you wish, or do you want a more mature, trained Clydesdale that is already ready to go?
  

• Do you want to just have a Clydesdale as a family horse to enjoy? If so, there is nothing more beautiful than a Clydesdale in the pasture, head down grazing, and when they spot their people, the ears go up, a soft welcoming whinny is sounded, and instantly, you realize all is good with the world! They function as a therapist for both the young and more mature owner, always willing to please and always leaving a sense of peace and harmony to their owners. So, you can own a Clydesdale “just because!”
  

• Do you want to ride your Clydesdale – yes, they are impressive riding horses.
  

• There are many disciplines currently being accomplished by the Clydesdale.
  

• Many people like a larger mount when pleasure riding. The Clydesdales have been proven in Dressage, trail riding, English, Western, Jumping, Barrel Racing, and more! The Clydesdale horse is noted as a reliable, trainable, anddependable mount, making many people prefer them over a light horse.
  

• Do you want to hitch Clydesdales? This is one of the things that the Clydesdales are famous for. Again, their beauty, grace, and trainability make them stellar hitch horses. Hitching Clydesdales requires training, and equipment so be mindful of those things to consider.
  

• Do you wish to have a breeding operation? In order to be successful in breeding Clydesdale Horses one must be educated on the process of reproduction, gestation, birthing, and after care for the mare and the foal. A study on genetics is also valuable to prioritize the best experience.
  

Ride a Clydesdale in Competition!

Well, that Is a lot to think about. And to try and narrow down the answers to some of the questions above, are some tips:

• Get yourself to where there are Clydesdales. That can mean finding a current Clydesdale person in your state or area to visit. As the Alliance builds up its Advocates – they can function as a reference and will be the best “mentors” in your search for that Clydesdale that is right for you!
  

• Go to some shows or events. By doing so, you can experience the different disciplines of the Clydesdale horse. Watch and take it all in and then go back to the barn and visit with exhibitors and ask questions. The Clydesdale people are some of the most warm and welcoming folks in the Draft Horse Industry, so visit with them and observe as they work with their horses.
  

• Network with Clydesdale people in your area to educate yourself on the climate conditions, nutritional needs, and more that may affect them.
  

• Consider where you are comfortable purchasing your Clydesdale(s). There are some public sales that highlight Clydesdales. One of the most notable for Clydesdale horses is the National Clydesdale Sale held every year in April by the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. Because they strictly sell Clydesdales and Shires, it is the perfect event to attend even if you do not purchase a horse at the sale. There are many Clydesdales consigned which allows you to compare and consider your preferences. There are other Draft Horse Sales that have some Clydesdale consigned also. The dates for these sales will be added to the Calendar of Events on the Alliance website.
  

• You may feel more comfortable purchasing a Clydesdale privately. Again, there are many ways Clydesdale people market their horses. Many are highlighted on social media. Again, as the Advocate base for the World Clydesdale Alliancebuilds, there will be folks that have horses for sale traditionally on their farms and will be listed on the Worldwide Clydesdale Alliance website!

  
  

• And stuff……. You will need a lot of Clydesdale stuff such as halters, buckets, grooming tools and more. The Worldwide Clydesdale Alliance will be adding an Industry Reference Page to the website to assist you with gathering that “stuff”!
  

• And a point of interest is that the Clydesdale horse is a social animal so you would be better to get more than one! They love a “pasture pal”! Once you have been bitten by the “Clydesdale bug” two can turn into 4 and into 6 very quickly – just warning you!

Like owning any type of animal, having Clydesdale horses is a commitment along with alot of work. But as they say, anything that is worth it sometimes takes a lot of work. Their turn of the hard work and commitment will come back to you ten-fold when these Gentle Giants enter your heart and soul.

I always say, “there is a Clydesdale out there for every person……. and a person outthere for every Clydesdale.”

The Worldwide Clydesdale Alliance has been created tonetwork people together in the effort to promote the Clydesdale horse and to perpetuatethe breed. So “Why a Clydesdale?” ………well…… Why not!

Begin your journey to make your Clydesdale dreams come true. Contact the Worldwide Clydesdale Alliance for any assistant you may need!

Drive a Clydesdale