Are Clydesdale Horses Good for Beginners?
Here at Strathorn Farm, we’ve been working with Clydesdales since 1939. Over the decades, they’ve been part of our daily lives, from pulling ploughs to providing steady mounts for riders.
In the 1950s, George even rode his Clydesdale mare bareback to the fields in the morning. Together, they’d hoe weeds from the turnip crops—a testament to the versatility and temperament of these gentle giants.
But are Clydesdales suitable for beginners? While their calm nature often makes them a good choice, their size and specific care requirements can pose challenges for those new to draft horses.
Drawing on our years of experience, we’ll explore the pros and cons of owning or riding a Clydesdale as a beginner, helping you decide if they’re the right fit for your needs.
There is no one horse that is perfect for a beginner rider or horse owner. That said, Clydesdale horses come pretty close.
They are gentle giants, ready to learn, and have a steady demeanour that perfectly complements the anxiety some beginners experience.
If you are thinking of buying a Clydesdale horse, but you’re not sure if it is the right choice for you, then my guide is the perfect place to start.
I will cover why Clydesdales are such great horses and what to expect of this lovely draft horse… granted, I am a bit biased since a Clydesdale is one of my favourite breeds, but I will try to be as fair as possible.
Are Clydesdale Horses Suitable for Beginners?
First things first: YES, the Clydesdale is one of the best horse breeds for beginners.
I know I said there is no such thing as the perfect beginner horse, but honestly, Clydesdale horses come pretty close.
Despite their huge size of up to 19 hands, these horses are easy to ride (if you don’t have a fear of heights…) and their intelligence makes them very easy to train.
Unlike several other popular breeds, Clydesdales have an independent streak. This might not sound like something you want in your very first horse, but in the end, it means you don’t have to have an entire stable full of horses to keep it company.
I really believe the Clydesdale horse breed is one of the best family horses. They are great with kids, have endless patience, and are rather forgiving. Clydesdale horses live for up to 25 years, so you’ll have a trusty companion to grow old with.
Characteristics of Clydesdale Horses
Clydesdales are often described as “gentle giants,” and here at Strathorn, we can confirm the truth in that phrase. These horses are known for their calm demeanor, willingness to work, and steady nature.
Over the years, we’ve worked with countless Clydesdales, including some standout individuals like Mack, Windsor, Ace, and Jake, who have all been instrumental in teaching beginners the ropes of riding.
Their patience and reliability have made them excellent mounts for riders taking their first steps into the equestrian world.
- Temperament:
Clydesdales are famously gentle and forgiving, which is why they’ve been a go-to breed for introducing new riders here at Strathorn. Horses like Mack, with his unflappable nature, and Jake, who had a knack for building confidence in nervous beginners, exemplify this breed’s easygoing temperament. Even as a young horse they can be very well behaved. - Size and Presence:
Standing at 16 to 18 hands tall and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, Clydesdales can be intimidating at first glance. However, their size often adds to their appeal, as riders feel a sense of security on their broad backs. That said, mounting a horse like Windsor, who was always ready to stand patiently, can be a challenge for beginners without a good mounting block! - Strength and Power:
Originally bred for heavy draft work, Clydesdales are incredibly strong. This strength translates into a steady, deliberate gait, which horses like Ace excel in during beginner lessons. While their power requires respect, their movements are typically slow and smooth, making them ideal for new riders learning balance. - Adaptability:
Clydesdales can transition seamlessly from fieldwork to riding, as we’ve seen firsthand. Horses like Windsor and Jake went from pulling farm equipment to confidently carrying novice riders in the arena. Their versatility has made them a mainstay at Strathorn for generations.
For more about whether Clydesdales can be ridden and their suitability for different riders, check out Can You Ride a Clydesdale?.
Pros of Clydesdales for Beginners
Clydesdale draft horses have long been a part of life here at Strathorn Farm, and through the years, we’ve seen firsthand why they can be an excellent choice for beginners. These gentle giants come with a range of qualities that make them particularly appealing for those new to riding or horse ownership.
1. Gentle Temperament
One of the standout traits of Clydesdales is their calm and gentle temperament. Horses like Windsor, who worked with beginner riders for years, were unflappable in the face of uncertain hands or wobbly balance. This forgiving attitude means beginners can learn without fear of spooking their mount.
2. Steady and Comfortable Gait
Riding a Clydesdale is like sitting on a well-cushioned armchair—it’s steady, smooth, and not too quick. Their deliberate pace allows new riders to focus on their posture and confidence without the distraction of a bumpy trot. Mack, for example, was a firm favorite with beginners for his gentle walk and relaxed demeanor.
3. Reliable and Predictable Behavior
Clydesdales like Windsor and Ace have always shown a knack for reliability as riding horses. Whether it’s in a lesson or on a trail, they tend to take everything in stride. This predictability is invaluable for beginners who are still learning to trust their horse. Their calm and gentle temperament is a real bonus.
4. Ideal for Larger or Nervous Riders
Clydesdales’ size and strength mean they can comfortably carry larger riders without strain. Their broad backs and sturdy build also provide a sense of stability, which can be incredibly reassuring for nervous beginners.
5. Versatility
Clydesdales can be used as more than just riding horses. Here at Strathorn, they’ve been a part of everything from fieldwork to parades, which highlights their adaptability. For beginners, this means the opportunity to explore various equestrian activities beyond riding. Versatility is one of the many things that makes Clydesdales good riding horses
Clydesdales have a lot going for them when it comes to helping new riders. Their steady personalities and dependable nature make them a pleasure to work with, and at Strathorn Farm, we’ve been proud to use them to introduce countless people to the joy of horse riding.
Cons of Clydesdales for Beginners
While Clydesdales have many qualities that make them appealing for beginners, they’re not without their challenges. Over our decades of working with them at Strathorn we’ve seen that their size and specific needs can pose difficulties for some newcomers.
1. Their Size Can Be Intimidating
Standing at 16 to 18 hands tall and weighing up to 2,000 pounds, Clydesdales are among the largest horse breeds. For beginners, especially those who are nervous around horses, this sheer size can feel overwhelming. Mounting, grooming, and even leading a Clydesdale like Windsor can take some getting used to.
2. Tack and Equipment Challenges
Clydesdales require specialized tack due to their larger frames. Saddles, bridles, and girths for draft horses can be harder to find and more expensive than standard horse equipment. Beginners need to account for this extra cost and ensure they have properly fitting gear, as ill-fitting tack can cause discomfort for the horse.
3. Higher Feeding and Maintenance Costs
A horse the size of a Clydesdale eats considerably more than smaller breeds. At Strathorn, our Clydesdales go through a fair amount of haylage to keep them in good condition – it’s lucky we grow our own. Farrier costs are also higher due to their larger hooves. These ongoing expenses can be a strain for beginners on a tight budget.
4. Grooming and Feather Maintenance
Their iconic feathered legs require regular grooming to prevent issues like mites or mud fever. While it’s rewarding work, beginners may find the grooming routine time-consuming or challenging. Horses like Ally, with his thick, flowing feathers, needed extra care to keep them clean and healthy, especially during wet Scottish winters.
5. Strength Requires Respect
Clydesdales are gentle by nature, but their strength means they must be handled with confidence. A horse like Jake, for example, could easily overpower a handler if he decided to push his boundaries. Beginners must be taught proper handling techniques to ensure safety for both horse and rider.
6. Space Requirements
Clydesdales need ample space to live comfortably. Their stalls should be larger than average, and they thrive best with access to open pastures. At Strathorn, we’ve always ensured they have plenty of room to stretch their legs, but for beginners with limited facilities, this could be a challenge.
While these considerations don’t make Clydesdales unsuitable for beginners, they do mean that owning or riding one requires preparation and commitment. For those willing to put in the effort, the rewards of working with such a kind and noble breed are well worth it. The reward of working with them is one of the things that makes Clydesdales good riding horses.
What Temperament Do Clydesdales Have?
The main reason Clydesdale horse breeds are so good with beginner riders is because of their temperament. But what exactly are these horses like?
They are incredibly easy-going and will tolerate beginners if they make any mistakes. Clydesdales are more than just a mascot; their gentle nature and patience make them perfect for those new to riding.
Draught horses have been bred for hundreds of years to work alongside humans, all of these desirable traits combine in one huge, lovely horse, ideal for novices.
Think of the Budweiser Clydesdales and how well behaved they are. That’s the kind of temprament you are looking for in a beginners horse.
Novice horse owners should be mainly concerned about safety while horse riding, Draught horses like the Clydesdale horse tick all the right boxes due to their calm nature
What is it like to ride a Clydesdale horse?
Okay, so now you know that this draught-breed horse is great for first-time owners – but you might be wondering what riding a Clydesdale is like.
The good news is, modern Clydesdale horses are no longer just used for pulling carriages and loads. Today these draught horses are popular for riding, even for beginners.
Historically, there was a trend towards a more compact horse type for pulling during the 1920s and 1930s, however breeding has changed them over the years and improved the modern Clydesdale’s suitability for riding.
They can be surprisingly narrow across the back when compared to a Belgian Draft and their high stepping action makes them a star over uneven ground.
Dressage
When you see a Clydesdale standing out in a field with its bulky body, the finesse of dressage riding probably does not spring to mind.
But, how wrong you are.
Clydesdales have natural smooth gaits and with some gentle teaching, you can train your horse to perform well at lower-level dressage classes. Their well-arched long neck, emerging from an oblique shoulder and complemented by high withers, contributes to their suitability for dressage.
That doesn’t mean you’ll be performing at the Olympics any time soon. Because of its build, this breed will not hold up against high-level dressage horses.
So, they are great for beginner riders just learning the discipline, but don’t expect to compete at the olympics.
Showjumping
Not every horse will be good at everything they set their mind to. No matter how much you want your Clydesdale to clear high jumps, it is probably not their strongest point.
Of course, they can jump (they are horses after all), but they have a bit of a different jumping style than horse breeds typically used in showjumping, like the Dutch Warmblood or the Irish Sport Horse. The structure of their hind legs, with a reduced fibula, contributes to their unique gait and affects their jumping performance.
Clydesdales can do pole work and lower jumps, but the bigger you go, the more risk to yourself and your horse’s joints. It’s best to leave the high level showjumping to the horses designed for it.
Trail Riding or Hacking
If there was one thing a Clydesdale is born to do, it’s hacking. They are dependable trail-riding horses who do not spook easily and appear to have the stamina of a marathon athlete.
A well-arched long neck springs from an oblique shoulder, contributing to their stamina and comfortable gait. Their steady, comfortable gait means you can ride a Clydesdale out on a hack without getting uncomfortable, even at a trot or canter over uneven ground.
Pleasure Riding
Clydesdale are great pleasure horses! They do not need a stringent training program to remain fit, and even young kids will feel safe on their backs.
Because of the independent streak I mentioned earlier, your Clydesdale will also be more than happy to set off on its own and go for a solo ride without other horses to lead it.
Are Clydesdale Horses Easy to Take Care Of?
You might think the bigger the horse, the bigger the responsibility.
Luckily, Clydesdales are not very high-maintenance. They do require some daily care, but you can probably do it before your first cup of tea in the morning.
These horses are really smart, so I would recommend you double-lock the gates and stable doors to keep your horse from joining you in the kitchen for breakfast.
Let’s look at what you need to know to care for a Clydesdale:
- Diet: Because of its size, a Clydesdale (and other draught horse breeds) needs more water and food than other breeds. Beginners should work with their vet to determine a balanced diet. A horse needs to consume about 1.5 to 2% of its body weight in forage each day, but horses that work or train hard will require additional grains as well.
- Grooming: You will have to brush your horse regularly to maintain its coat. Pay special attention to the white markings on the face, legs, and body, as they contribute to the breed’s distinctive appearance. You might want to use a step so you can reach all parts of this big horse breed!
- Bathing: Do a monthly deep-cleaning with horse shampoo to remove any sweat or dirt. You might want to do this more often if you live in a humid climate.
- Hoof care: Pick out your horse’s hooves regularly. Look for any signs of poor hoof health like a soft frog or thrush. Regular hoof picking and a dry bed will keep this in check.
All in all, they don’t really need any special care compared to other breeds.
Are Clydesdales Expensive to Take Care Of?
Horse ownership is typically not cheap, no matter the breed.
The Clydesdale horse is no exception, and a good quality adult will set you back £2,500 to £8,000. If you want the top breeding stock that the Clydesdale Horse Society has on their books, this price can go up to £15,000 – but as a beginner, you probably don’t need the top-of-the-line.
Clydesdale breeders play a crucial role in maintaining the breed’s quality, which directly affects the cost of purchasing and caring for a Clydesdale. High-quality breeding ensures healthier horses, but it also means higher initial costs.
The cost of caring for your horse will depend on its age, health and what you use it for. A horse left out at pasture will be less expensive to care for than a horse that needs stabling, a special diet, and custom-made tack. Luckily, Clydesdales can generally live out all year round, so you’re likely to save a lot on the stabling costs.
Here are some estimated costs of taking care of the Clydesdale breed:
- Grass livery: £20 to £25 per week
- Full livery: £100 to £150 per week
- Hay: £10 a week for a horse also having access to grass
- Grains: £5 to £10 a week
- Vaccinations: About £70 a year
- Farrier: Up to £30 for trimming and £85 for shoeing per visit
- Dental care: £50 to £70 per visit
- Deworming: £10 to £15
Most of these costs are similar to that of other breeds – with the exception that your Clydesdale horse might eat a bit more than other horses due to its larger size.
Are They Easy to Train?
Having a well-trained horse is the dream of any horse owner. But, novice riders and owners will have to put in the effort if they want an easy going riding horse. It is better to start with a young horse if you want to train them, although we have broken 10 year olds to ride without too much trouble.
Historically, the practice of hiring stallions in Scottish agriculture played a significant role in standardizing the Clydesdale breed. This district system, dating back to 1837, was crucial for agricultural practices and greatly influenced the training and development of these horses. Generally the most trainable horses with the right temperament were chosen to breed with.
Luckily Clydesdales are very intelligent and love working with their humans. Despite its large size, your Clydesdale is likely to be a gentle horse.
With just a bit of patience and determination – and positive reinforcement – you will be able to train your gentle giant to be well-mannered and responsive.
The most important thing is to handle them every day. Even if it’s just to put them out and take them in.
FAQs
What are the disadvantages of owning a Clydesdale horse?
Clydesdales are low-maintenance but can be prone to some health issues. The most common is obesity, especially when left to frolic in lush spring grass. They may also develop skin infections if their thick coats and feathering are not properly maintained.
Additionally, the wide muzzle of a Clydesdale can sometimes lead to respiratory issues, which require regular veterinary check-ups and proper management to ensure their well-being.
What type of horse is good for beginners?
A draught-horse, like a Clydesdale, Shire Horse or Suffolk Punch, is a good horse for beginners. Their large sizes might be intimidating, but they are known as “gentle giants”.
What is the maximum weight of a rider a Clydesdale can carry?
Each horse is different, you may have heard of the 20% rule, but we don’t apply this to our Clydesdales. Some of them weigh up to 2200lbs and there is no way they should be carrying 440lbs. Our current limit is 210lbs for a beginner rider in trot. If you had your own horse, and built them up slowly they may be able to carry more than this. For more information read this article
