Can You Ride A Clydesdale Horse?
Yes! You can absolutely ride Clydesdale horses. While they are famous as draft horses, riding them is becoming increasingly popular due to their smooth gait and calm temperament.
At Strathorn Farm Stables in Aberdeenshire, we were some of the early pioneers of ridden Clydesdales. Whether you want to hack, jump, or even try dressage, the Clydesdale is more versatile than you might think.
If you want a broader overview of the breed’s history and characteristics, you can read more here:
https://www.strathornfarm.co.uk/clydesdale-horse/clydesdale-horse
Quick Takeaways: What is it like to ride a Clydesdale?
- Comfort: Surprisingly comfortable with a smooth, non-jolting gait.
- Height: You will sit high up! A typical Clydesdale is 18 hands (1.8m) at the withers, putting your eye line nearly 3 meters in the air.
- Temperament: They are “Gentle Giants”—docile, cool, and unlikely to spook.
- Versatility: Capable of dressage, trail riding, and small jumps.
Share our Real Experience: Riding at the Royal Highland Show Side-Saddle
Many people ask if heavy horses can really compete. We don’t just say “yes”—we’ve proved it.
Back in 2002, our Australian Groom, Sam Weir, decided she wanted to ride our Clydesdale, Sir Lancelot (AKA Jake), at the Royal Highland Show. She faced two major problems:
- There was no specific class for ridden Clydesdales.
- Sam had a broken leg and was in a full plaster cast.
The Solution
Sam entered the Ridden Hunter class (which didn’t specify a breed) and rode Side Saddle to accommodate her broken leg. While the establishment was initially shocked to see a thundering giant alongside fine-boned show ponies, Sam and Sir Lancelot won them over, taking home the “Best Turned Out” prize.
Are Clydesdales Comfortable To Ride?
Yes, Clydesdales are surprisingly comfortable. A common misconception is that their width makes them uncomfortable. However, at Strathorn, we find that they aren’t as wide as you might expect for a draft horse. They aren’t usually too bulky, so sitting in the saddle feels natural.
The most nerve-racking aspect for beginners is simply the height. At 18 hands tall, your view is incredible, but it can feel intimidating until you get moving.
Benefits Of Riding A Clydesdale
Beyond their beauty, there are practical reasons why riders love them:
1. The Famous “Smooth Gait”
Clydesdales are known for an impressively smooth gait. Unlike some smaller breeds that might bounce a rider, a Clydesdale glides. Whether you are walking, trotting, or cantering, you won’t be jolted around.
2. Gentle Giants That Don’t Spook
Because they are so docile, they rarely spook. This is a critical safety feature for trail riding and hacking. Nature is unpredictable, and having a horse that remains cool and collected makes them excellent horses for beginners and families.
Clydesdale Performance: Speed and Agility
While they are versatile, it is important to have realistic expectations compared to regular horse breeds.
Can Clydesdales be racehorses?
Yes, Clydesdale racing exists, but they aren’t built for speed. While we have specific races for them which are great fun, they cannot match the top speeds of light horse breeds.
| Horse Breed | Top Speed (Approx) | Best Suited For |
| Clydesdale | 20 mph | Draft work, Hacking, Leisure |
| Thoroughbred | 44 mph | Racing, Eventing |
| Quarter Horse | 55 mph | Sprinting, Western Riding |
| Arabian | 40 mph | Endurance |
Can Clydesdales Jump?
Yes, they can jump. You can use them for small jumping courses, and they enjoy it! However, you have to remember how much a Clydesdale weighs—their heavy build creates significant force on landing. We keep jumps at a manageable height to protect their joints.
Can Clydesdales do Dressage?
Yes, Clydesdales can and do compete in dressage. Winning high-level competitive dressage against warmbloods will be a challenge, but for lower to mid-level dressage, their rhythm and presence can be spectacular.
Are Clydesdales good for Trail Riding and Hacking?
This is where the Clydesdale truly shines. Their temperament and endurance are perfectly suited for long rides out on the trail in the Scottish countryside. Their long legs allow them to maneuver over logs easily—though you do need to watch out for low-hanging branches!
Conclusion: Come Ride a Clydesdale in Scotland
You can absolutely ride Clydesdales, and once you try it, you might not want to go back to smaller horses. They are gentle, safe, and offer a view of the world you can’t get anywhere else.
Book a Lesson at Strathorn Farm
Read More: Clydesdale Horse Vs Regular Horse Breeds
