The Clydesdale is a Scottish draft breed developed in the 18th and 19th centuries in Lanarkshire, along the River Clyde, by crossing native mares with imported Flemish stallions. It stands 16.2 to 18 hands and weighs roughly 820 to 910 kg, with the tall white leg feathering, wide blaze, and high-stepping action that made it the best known draft horse in the world. Most are bay, though brown, black, chestnut, and roan all occur. Once a farm and haulage horse, it now works parades, hitches, and carriage teams, and the breed registry, Clydesdale Breeders of the USA, has kept the studbook since 1879. The heavy feather is part of the look but also the breed's main health burden, since it hides the skin disease chronic progressive lymphedema.
At a glance
One of the tallest draft breeds; some hitch geldings stand over 18 hands. Heavy bone, sloping shoulder, and abundant white feather on the lower legs.
Temperament
Suited to
On price
Riding and pleasure Clydesdales commonly sell for 2,500 to 8,000 USD; trained show hitch horses and proven bloodlines reach 15,000 to 25,000 USD and higher.
Care needs
Clydesdales eat and drink far more than a light horse and need turnout, a heavy-bodied feeding plan, and oversized tack, stabling, and farrier work. The feathered lower legs are the main daily job: they must be kept clean and dry, checked for mites and scratches, and often clipped, because trapped moisture and Chorioptes mites drive the skin problems this breed is prone to. Farrier visits every 6 to 8 weeks handle the large, heavy feet, alongside routine dental, vaccination, and deworming care.
Common health issues
Chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL)
A lifelong disease of heavily feathered drafts in which the lower-leg lymph system fails, causing progressive swelling, thick skin folds, and crusting that can end in disfigurement. It starts young and has no cure; clipping the feather, controlling mites, and daily leg care slow it down.
Feather skin problems (scratches) and Chorioptes mites
The dense feather traps moisture and hides Chorioptes mange mites, leading to scabby, itchy skin on the lower legs known as scratches or pastern dermatitis. Left unchecked these infections worsen and feed into CPL, so the legs need regular cleaning and inspection.
Size-related joint and foot strain
Carrying 800 kg or more loads the joints and the large feet, so arthritis, ringbone, and foot problems appear more readily than in light horses. Good weight control, footing, and regular farriery reduce the wear.
Colors
bay, brown, black, chestnut, roan
Questions people ask
How big is a Clydesdale?
Most stand 16.2 to 18 hands and weigh 820 to 910 kg, with some hitch geldings taller and heavier. They are among the largest horses people keep, though the Shire and Belgian can outweigh them.
Are Clydesdales good for beginners?
Their calm, willing nature suits a beginner's temperament, but the sheer size means big tack, big feed bills, and more strength to handle from the ground. A quiet, trained Clydesdale can be a fine first horse for someone prepared for the scale.
Why do Clydesdales have hairy legs?
The long white hair, called feather, is a breed hallmark from their cold, wet Scottish origins. It looks striking but traps moisture and mites, which is why feathered drafts are prone to scratches and chronic progressive lymphedema and need careful leg care.
What is chronic progressive lymphedema in Clydesdales?
CPL is a progressive skin and lymph disease of the lower legs seen in feathered draft breeds. It causes swelling, thick folds, and crusting that get worse over the horse's life. There is no cure, but clipping the feather, treating mites, and daily leg care keep the horse comfortable.
Keep reading
Sources
Every figure on this page traces to one of these. We cite registries, associations, government and veterinary bodies, and published cost surveys - not other blogs.
- [1]Pedigrees and Stud Book- Clydesdale Breeders of the USAregistryClydesdale Breeders of the USA is the North American registry, keeping Clydesdale pedigrees and the studbook since its 1879 incorporation.
- [2]Clydesdale Horses- Oklahoma State University, Breeds of LivestockgovScottish origin in the River Clyde valley of Lanarkshire, breed height and weight, feathering, and coat colors.
- [3]Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL)- Center for Equine Health, UC Davis School of Veterinary MedicinestudyCPL affects heavily feathered draft breeds, starts young and progresses for life, and is complicated by Chorioptes mites in the feather.