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The Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse named after and derived from hard-working farm horses of Clydesdale (now Lanarkshire), Scotland. They are perhaps most famous for their use as the mascot of beer company Anheuser-Busch's Budweiser brand. Thought to be over 300 years old, the breed was once extensively used for pulling heavy loads in both rural and urban settings in the Commonwealth and United States. Today, the Clydesdale's most significant presence is in exhibition and parade. With an estimated global population of just 5,000 individuals, the Clydesdale is recognised by the Rare Breed Survival Trust as "at risk". Clydesdales are noted for their rugged grace and versatility; they are strong yet amiable animals exceeding 18 hands (1.8 metres or 6 feet) in height and over one ton (2204 pounds) in weight. Primarily a reddish brown to black in colour, Clydesdales have distinctive tufts of white or black hair on their lower legs known as feather. Nowadays chiefly for show, this hair was first developed to protect the horses' legs. The coat may also have white spots or hair dispersed evenly; the latter variation is known as roan. The muzzle is also typically white. Hoof size is another distinct feature of Clydesdales; their hooves are twice the width of a thoroughbred race horse's. |
