BREEDS

The Clydesdale was developed by Scottish farmers in a region known as Lanarkshire, which was previously called Clydesdale. To produce a versatile draught horse for farm work, coal mining and heavy haulage, Flemish stallions were imported and bred with local mares. The first recorded use of the name ‘Clydesdale’ for the breed was in 1826, and by 1837 a system of hiring stallions had begun that resulted in the spread of Clydesdale horses throughout Scotland and into northern England. The first breed registry was formed in 1877. Some Shire bloodlines were introduced not long after, increasing the Clydesdale’s height and bulk.

The Shire is a breed of draught horse that originated in England in the 17th century. During the 16th century, Dutch engineers brought Friesian horses with them when they came to England, and these horses probably had the most significant influence on what became known as the Shire breed.

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