World Clydesdale Show: Our Photo of the Day....

For young and old alike, the World Clydesdale Show offers edge-of-the seat entertainment with wall-to-wall Clydesdale action. See this magnificent breed up close and personal in the barns, and then experience the thunderous roar of an eight-horse Clydesdale hitch coming down the runway and into the arena! Seminars, vendors, and other exciting entertainment & exhibitions will also be part of what plans to be the biggest event the Clydesdale breed has ever seen!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Our Photo of the Day....

...from Adrienne Hulst!

Posted by Jeff Eller at 11:23 AM

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WCS Class Results

Eight Horse Hitch
Adult Under Saddle-Walk, Trot
Youth Cart 10-18 years of age
Open Tandem
Registered Mare Four
Gelding or Grade Mare Team
Registered Mare Cart
Supreme Horse-Best of Breed
Champion Foal
Junior Team

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Links We Like

Draft Horse Journal
World Clydesdale Show
Clydesdale Breeders of the United States
Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada
Clydesdale Horse Society

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We're Proud of our Sponors!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2011 WCS SPONSORS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE FOLKS THAT HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED THE “CHALLENGE”!

CHRISTINE FROEHLICH – CALIFORNIA - $7500
Christine has gained ownership of a yearling stallion – Ozark Royal Allard 24763

JOHN NEWELL & CANADIAN PARTNERS - $7500

GOLD - $10,000 SPONSOR!
Wisconsin Distributors – Sun Prairie, WI.
Wisconsin State Horse Council
Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada
Anheuser Busch Inc.

SILVER - $5,000+ SPONSORS!
Behn Bros. Golf Fundraiser
Caroline Ridler’s Cookbook – “Cooking with Clydesdale Ladies”
Alamar Acres, Alan & Mary Ann Knobloch, Princeville, IL.
Dr. Jeff Gower - $5000 to the Supreme Horse of the 2011 World Clydesdale Show
Express Clydesdales
J & M Farms, Jack & Michelle Parnell, Nordman, ID

BRONZE - $1,000 + SPONSORS!
Tartan Farm Clydesdales, The English Family, Tipp City, OH.
Somewhere Farm Clydesdales, Bob & Laura Gookin, Boulevard, CA.
ALC Clydesdales, The Keith Mann Family, Wichita, KS.
Maplestone Clydesdales, Robert & Carolyn Ridler, Orton, Ontario, Canada
Deeply Rooted Farm LLC, Michael & Sharon Bobo, KY
Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau - $2500
Francois Desharnais Family
Dr. Michael & Sharon Bobo
Sandy Acres Clydesdales - Shelby Zarobinski – Dawn & Steve Matthews
Hunter Clydesdales, Jason & Krista Hunter
Pfizer Animal Health
Carl & Kala Ade

CLASS SPONSORS!
Dr. Joe & Kathi Schwartz Family – Mare 8 years & Over
Parnell Ranch, Jack & Michelle Parnell – Champion Mare
Gerald Wismer Family – 2 Year Old Stallion
David Carson Farms & Auction Services – Gelding Four Horse Hitch
Bill Schuler Family – Grand Champion Stallion & Jr. Champion Stallion
Nan Forest, in memory of Darrell Forest – Mare 1 Year & under 2
Dan Holien Farm – Ladies Team & Men’s Cart
Don & Deb Hastings – Mare 2 years & under 3
Tom & LuAnn Meyer – Stallion 1 year and under 2
Bill & Gay Penak – Registered Gelding 4 Years & Over
Mike Odian – Mare Team
Mike & Doreen Orrange, Shamrock Clydesdales – Sr. Stallion Foal
Scott & Janet Schwindaman Family – Mare 6 & 7 Years Old
Mike & Cheri Moleski – Best 4 Head Bred & Owned by Exhibitor
Francois Desharnais Family – Sr. Filly Foal & Stallion 3 & Under 4
Dr. Jean Lambert DVM Family – Jr. Stallion Foal
Clydesdale Horse Society of Scotland – 3 yr. old Mare
Bill Wolfe – Open Tandem Class & Mare Cart Class
Clydesdale Horse Society of Ireland – Jr. Filly Foal
Dr. Linda Harmon-Dodge, Iron Horse Farm – Jr. Champion Mare Bred & Owned by Exhibitor
Cathy Clark, Harmony Hill Clydesdales – Jr. Champion Stallion Bred & Owned by Exhibitor
Stoney Knoll Clydesdales (Doug McAlpine) & Thomas Clydesdales (Gerald & Deb Thomas) – Best Mare Born in Canada
Ontario Clydesdale Club – Jr. Division – Sr. Showmanship
Will Lent Horseshoe Company, Will & Keely Lent – Best Mare Born in the USA
Kyle Forsyth & Marcia – Mare 4 & 5 Years
Shining Meadow Clydesdales – Gelding 3 yr. & under & Stallion 6 yr. Over
Birky’s Pride Clydesdales, Mike & Cindy Birky & Jeff & Sara Szarley – Stallion 4 yrs. & under 6
Edwin Henken Family, Northwest Clydesdales – Sr. Stallion Bred & Owned by Exhibitor
Clydesdale Education Foundation – Youth Classes
Willow Way Farms, Allen & Wes Gordeyko – Stallion and 3 Mares
John Yeoman – Mare & Foal Class & Mare Four Horse Hitch
Doug & Karen Dungan – Jr. Champion Mare
Bates Engineering, Bob & Diana Bates – Gelding 4 & 5 Years
Sandy Acres Clydesdales – Shelby Zarobinski - Dawn & Steve Matthews - Costume Class
Debren Clydesdales – Deb Bolger – Sr. Champion Mare
Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta Clydesdale Breeders of Canada – Open Unicorn – Grade Team - & Grand Champion Gelding
Grandview Clydesdale – The Cobbs Family – Ladies Cart
Bob Cohen – Gelding 3 & under 4 & Western Riding Class
McKeown Farms & West Edge Acres – Open Get of Sire
Ontario Clydesdale Club – Jr. Division – Sr. Showmanship Class
Double Shoe Farm, Mike & Tracy Taft – ½ Mare Unicorn Class
Clydesdale Horse Society of Scotland – Mare 3 & Under 4

TEAM MEMBERS! $300 Donation
David & Mary Flinn
Ray McLaughlin Family
Jim Wainwright
Don Langille Family
Robert & Andrea Detweiler
Eugene & Victoria Coughlin
Mike Odian
Scott & Janet Schwindaman Family
Jim Emmons
Warren & Evelyn Hiskett
Sam Butters
Airgood Farrier Service, Ken & Sonja Airgood
Linden Clydesdales, Dennis Johnson Family
Toll-Gate Clydesdales, Vaughn Toll Family
Steve & Marcia Haase
David & Stacy Anderson
John & Gert Clarkson
Tony & Cheryl Hawkes
John Yeoman
Karla Stoner
Five Star Clydesdales – Don & Kristen Hastings
Saskatchewan Clydesdale Association
Jefferson County Draft Horse Association
Gregg Ruston
Anderson Royal Clydesdales
Manitoba Clydesdale Club
Pat & Tanya Connors, Irish Thunder Clydesdales
Blaine & Trinda Martin
Debren Clydesdales – Deb Bolger
Ryan & Amy Mullen
K & K Farms, The Zastrows
Muchinippi Creek Clydes – Dwaine & Dixie Golliday
Double L Clydes, Leroy & Linda Gentry
Toni Lorenz, Sussex, WI.
Wolf Mound Farms, Moss Clydesdales, Paris, IL.
Chorny Family - Canada & Austrailia
David & Linda Stalhiem – Stalhiem Farms
Five Star Horse Decorations – Kristen Hastings
Reg & Carol Madsen – Madsen Clydesdales
Rock N Hill Clydesdales – Mike & Nancy LaCrosse

FRIENDS OF WCS - Donations up to $300
Tim & Pam Erard
Robin Freeman
Mike & Teri Sardina
Tom Taylor
Gale Lavota
Debbie Wutz
Jean Lewis, in Memory of Gerald Lewis
Joe & Annette Greco
Barry Leonard
Doug Harger
Russel & Judy Bauer
David & Susan James
John Yeoman
Charlie & Dorothy Bowen
Richard Beard – England
Annabelle Farrell
Michaela Falkner
Vickie Doyle
Janet Jackson-Gould
Cathy Kish & Casimer Robakewicz
Gordon Reinhardt
Larry & Annette Barnes
Marie Exner & Scott Perowitz
Michaela Falkner
Ohio Regional Clyde & Shire Association

DONATIONS FOR FUNDRAISERS
Greenwood Farms, Chuck Cryderman Family – John Deere Gator
WBZ Mineral – 12 months of WBZ Mineral
Sooner Trailer Company – Trailer

What is a Clydesdale?

The Clydesdale Horse is the pride of Scotland and is a native breed which was founded in Lanarkshire, Clydesdale being the old name for the district. The history of the breed dates back from the middle of the 18th century when native horses of Lanarkshire were graded up in an effort to produce greater weight and substance by the use of Flemish stallions.

The first stallion, imported by the Sixth Duke of Hamilton, was dark brown in colour and was kept for the benefit of his tenants who were granted its use, free of charge. John Paterson of Lochlyloch brought from England a Flemish stallion, black in colour with a white face and some white on his legs, around this time. The venture proved successful and Lochlyloch blood speedily became famous and sought after, a marked improvement apparent in the colts and fillies from this district offered at the various fairs in the county.

The next horse of note to have left a record was Blaze, a black 16.1hh stallion with a white ratch on his face, belonging to Mr Scott of Carstairs. In 1782, Blaze won first prize at an Edinburgh Show and did good service in Lanarkshire for many years. Nothing was known of his antecedents, but the impression produced by his shape, style and action was that he was of coaching blood.

The next step brings us into the region of recorded pedigrees, as from the mare now to be referred to, practically every Clydesdale of recorded lineage, can trace descent. In 1808, a displenishing sale was held at Shotts Hill Mill, Carstairs, when the stock of Mr Clarkson was disposed of. Mr Somerville, Lampits Farm, Carstairs, purchased a two-year-old filly. Mr Clarkson was a descendant of the Paterson's of Lochlyloch, the importers of the Flemish stallion and there is good reason to believe the stallion claimed a place in the family tree of this filly.

The filly produced amongst others a black colt foal, which under the name of “Thompson's Black Horse”, or Glancer, is to be found in the pedigree of horses today. Glancer had white on both hind legs and is described as “having a strong neat body set on short thick legs, the clean sharp bones of which were fringed with nice, flowing silken hair”. The Lampits mare went on to produce Farmers Fancy and Glancer I and it is felt by some that the frequent mating of descendants of these two horses has resulted in lasting benefit to the breed.

Mares of renown, both in their own right and for their foals, were Peggy, Kate and Jean. Jean, by Farmer's Fancy, produced a filly foal by Samson in 1860. This filly became the famous Keir Peggy, a grand powerful dark bay. Besides having five filly foals, Peggy had four colt foals, one of which was Darnley a rich bay with very little white. Among Darnley's most famous sons were MacGregor, Top Gallant and Flashwood. Top Gallant's most prominent son was Sir Everard, who in turn was the sire of Baron's Pride.

Baron's Pride went on to sire one of the breeds most famous sons, Baron of Buchlyvie. Bred by William McKeich, foaled in 1900 and out of Young Maybloom, this horse was sold by public auction in Ayr during December 1911 to William Dunlop of Dunure Mains, Ayr, for £9,500. The equivalent today being around £275,000 in purchasing power.

At its peak, Scotland had around 140,000 farm horses plus an unknown number in towns and cities, most of which were Clydesdales in whole or part. The top year came in 1911, when 1,617 stallions were exported. Three years later Clydesdale horses were conscripted by the army to serve in The First World War. It is known that between 1850 and 1880 a large number of the best stallions and a few good quality mares were annually exported mainly to Australia and New Zealand. It was, however, after the foundation of the Stud Book that exports began to be numbered in hundreds and during the period 1884 to 1945, 20,183 export certificates for stallions, mares and fillies were issued by the Society, the importing countries being not only the Dominions, but America, South America, Russia, Italy and Austria.

In some parts of the world, the downturn in the fortunes of the breed came soon after the Great War. In Australia, in the 1920's the tractor took over and in many cases the field gates were left open and the horses were allowed to run free. The Clydesdale had its part to play in England too. In 1946 over 200 Clydesdale stallions were licensed and working in England. By 1949 however, this was down to 80.

The conditions prevailing in Britain during the Second World War necessitated the agricultural industry being brought to its highest pitch of productivity, and this could only be attained by the extensive use of the tractor and sadly, horses were replaced by mechanical power. During the 1960's and early 1970's, breed numbers dwindled and in 1975, the Clydesdale was categorized by the Rare Breed Survival Trust as “vulnerable”. Over the years and with the increase in breed numbers, it is now categorized as “at risk” in the UK. -- The Clydesdale Horse Society http://www.clydesdalehorsesociety.com/breed_history.html

The Clydesdale and Its Qualities

Male or female, a Clydesdale should look handsome, weighty and powerful, but with a gaiety of carriage and outlook, so that the impression is given of quality and weight, rather than grossness and bulk.

"No feet no horse” is an old saying, but it applies with particular force in the Clydesdale show ring. The judge expects to see feet ‘open and round like a masons mallet'. The hoof heads must be wide and springy, with no suspicion of hardness such as may lead to the formation of side-bone or ring bone. The feather on the legs is a beauty point in the breed. British judges put more stress on the silkiness of the hair than judges across the Atlantic do. Pasterns must be long and set at an angle of 45 degrees from the hoof head to the fetlock joint. The fore legs must be planted well under the shoulders, plumb and hang straight from the shoulder to the fetlock joint. There must be no openness at the knees, nor any tendency to knock-knees. The hind legs must also be planted closely together, with the points of the hocks turned inwards rather than outwards. The thighs must come well down to the hocks and the shanks from the hock-joint to the fetlock joint must be plumb and straight.

A Clydesdale should have a nice open forehead, broad between the eyes, a flat profile, wide muzzle, large nostrils, a bright clear intelligent eye, big ears and a well arched long neck springing out of an oblique shoulder with high withers. The back should be short and strong, carrying on towards the rump and this must be associated with lots of spring and depth of rib, like hoops of a barrel. The horse's quarters should not only be long, but well muscled, this is a draught horse after all.
The colours most common are bay and brown with white markings, but blacks, greys , roans and chestnuts are occasionally seen. The white markings are characteristic and it is the exception to see a bay or brown Clydesdale without a white face and considerable white on the feet and legs.

At rest, a judge can see if the horse is well balanced and correct. At the walk and trot towards and away from him, the judge can assess it for better or worse. There must be “action”, when viewed from behind, the foot at every step is lifted clear of the ground. The action, too, must be close and true. The final decision is based on soundness, size and action, not by some kind of points system, but by a general assessment of the whole animal as it is presented in the ring. Presentation may not make a poor animal into a trophy winner, but a good person at the halter can bring out the best in a horse, to the pleasure of onlookers and the satisfaction of the owner. -- The Clydesale Horse Society http://www.clydesdalehorsesociety.com/breed_history.html

Today's Clydesdale

The modern Clydesdale horse stands between 16 and 19 hands and weighs from 1600 to 2200 lbs. While this is larger than the original Scottish horse, one cardinal feature has been retained - the breed's substantial underpinning. The old adage "no foot-no horse" has always been true, thus the importance attached to maintaining sound hooves and legs within the breed.

Three words -- "strength, agility and docility" -- depict in brief the main characteristics of the Clydesdale. The impression created by a thoroughly well built horse is that of strength and activity, with a minimum of superfluous tissue. The idea is not grossness and bulk, but quality and weight. The horse must also exhibit action, lifting the foot high, and taking a long stride to cover ground rapidly and easily. Intelligence and willingness make the Clydesdale a welcome partner at work or play.

The Clydesdale has a very distinctive look when compared with other draft breeds. The combination of vivid body colors, bright white faces, and long white "feathered" legs with high stepping gait and a head held high leave no question that you are looking at a Clydesdale. The feather is the long silky hair on the legs that flows to the ground and accentuates the high knee action and hock flex. The most common body color is bay, followed by black, brown, and chestnut. The roan trait (solid body color with white hairs throughout the coat) may be found in all the colors. Popular markings for today's big hitches are four white socks to the knees and hocks, and a well-defined blaze or bald face, however, the show ring does not discriminate on color, with light roans and dark legs being considered equally with solid colored horses with traditional markings.

For anyone desiring a stylish and active yet tractable, intelligent and serviceable draft animal for work, show, or simple pleasure - the Clydesdale merits his or her most serious consideration. - Clydesdale Breeders of the USA http://clydesusa.com/101-history.php

Frequently Asked Questions

Ever wondered just how big Clydesdales are? Do you know how much they weigh or how much a Clydesdale can pull? We've got your answers! Take a look below at some frequently asked questions about the Clydesdale breed. If you have a question not seen below, or if you have questions concerning registration procedures or other general procedures, contact us today.

What is a Clydesdale?
Clydesdales are a breed of heavy draft horse. Clydesdales originated from Scottish farm horses over two hundred years ago.

How tall are Clydesdales?
Clydesdales can grow to over 18 hands tall. A hand is four inches, so this would be 72 inches, or six feet. A horse is measured from the ground to its withers. If you feel at the end of a horse's mane, you will find a small flat spot. This is the withers. When a horse puts their head down to eat, this is the highest point on the horse.

How much does a Clydesdale weigh?
Mature Clydesdales weigh between 1600 and 2400 pounds, as much as a Volkswagon Beetle.

What are the different colors of Clydesdales?
The horses are mostly bay or brown but can be black or sorrel. Roan (white hair scattered throughout the coat) is often seen. A white blaze face and four white legs are common, but black legs are often found. White spots can occur on the body. A knowledgeable judge ignores color in the show ring.

Why do Clydesdales have so much hair on their legs?
This hair, called feather (or spat where it goes over the horses hoof), originally helped protect the horses' legs. Now it is primarily for show.

How much can a Clydesdale horse pull?
It depends on what they're pulling. When pulling a wagon, a Clydesdale can pull many times more than its own weight, which is why the Clydesdale was so popular in the cities pulling large wagons of goods.

How big is a Clydesdale's hoof?
Clydesdales are known for the size of their feet. One of their horseshoes is about the size of a dinner plate. A thoroughbred racehorse has a shoe about half of that size. Horseshoes are held in place with special nails. The nails are hammered up through the shoe and exit the hoof wall. This does not hurt the horse as the hoof wall is similar in structure to a human fingernail.

How much does a Clydesdale eat?
Depending on their age and the amount of work they might be doing, and adult Clydesdale may eat 25 to 50 pounds of hay and 2 to 10 pounds of grain or other supplements.

How many Clydesdales are born each year?
The United States has the largest numbers of Clydesdales, with Canada, Great Britain, and Australia trailing in numbers. There are over 600 new horses registered in the United States annually.

How long is a pregnancy, and how much do foals weigh?
A typical pregnancy lasts for 11 months. A newborn foal can weigh 110-180 lbs. A broodmare (mother to a foal) may produce 100 pounds of milk daily, and the foal can gain up to 4 pounds a day for the first few months of life.

How much do Clydesdales cost?
Clydesdales vary in price based on many factors. Bloodlines, quality, size, age, color, and markings all effect prices. Some Clydesdales may sell for as little as $1000, but most Clydesdales sell between $2500 and $5000. The top-level horses sell for prices equivalent to luxury automobiles!

Can you ride Clydesdales?
Yes!! Most equipment manufacturers now offer saddles, bits, & bridles in draft horse sizes. Many owners compete in shows next to more typical riding horses. The Clydesdales are very easy to train and their great style is a hit in the show ring. They also make exceptional trail horses due to their calm disposition.

Where can I learn more about Clydesdales?
Most current owners would welcome the opportunity to visit and answer your questions. During the summer and fall, many Clydesdales can be found competing at state and county fairs. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn. Each April, the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A. holds its Annual Meeting and conducts the National Clydesdale Sale in Springfield, IL. This sale is the largest offering of purebred Clydesdale horses in the world with about 180-200 head of Clydesdale horses being cataloged each year. Educational seminars are held at this event. The Association Office and the Clydesdale Store have clothing, gifts, literature, publications, and membership information at: