Clydesdale Horse

The Clydesdale originated in the Lanarkshire, Scotland where the river Clyde runs through. During the second half of the 18th century imported Flemish stallions were used to improve the stock of local farmers. Lawrence Drew and David Riddell were the leading breeders in the 19th century and believed that the Clydesdale and the Shire horse were of the same breed and regularly interbred them. The dark brown horse Prince of Wales, foaled in 1866, was the most influential stallion in the development of the Clydesdale. Having a combination of English and Scottish blood, he had outstanding action and demanded a high stud fee, as his offspring was well sought after. In 1877 the Clydesdale Horse Society was formed and a year later the first stud book published. Interest in the breed was growing and large numbers of horses were exported to North America, Australia, South America and Russia for farm and heavy haulage work.