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OUR HORSES
Clydesdales in our stable are mares Strathorn Beth and Torbruad Molly, and also stallion Dillars Cracker The Clydesdale – a Scottish breed from the 18th century 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 where graded up in an effort to produce greater weight and substance by the use of Flemish stallions. In the beginning of the 19th century, recording pedigrees started. Clydesdale Horse Society, the organisation responsible for the Stud Book, was founded in 1877. At its peak, Scotland had around 140 000 farm horses, plus an unknown number in towns and cities. The top year came in 1911 when 1 617 stallions were exported. After The Second World War, the number of horses turned downwards as horses were replaced by mechanical power. In 1946 over 200 Clydesdale stallions were licensed and working in England. By 1949, however, this was down to 80. During the 1960´s and the early 1970´s, breed numbers dwindled, but in the 1990’s the popularity of the Clydesdale has been growing continually. Today there are about 100 stallions registered. The reason why the Clydesdale is becoming more popular now is that more and more people are using their horses not just for showing and driving, but for farm work, horse logging and riding. People with a love of the Clydesdale are not only rediscovering the uses of the breed, but with the skills needed for working these animals, included harness making and shoeing, traditions which began a hundred years ago and more are being kept alive. Since 1982 The Clydesdale Horse Society, to help with the breed improvement, has been managing the Stallion Premium Scheme whereby a maximum of 16 paraded stallions are eligible for a premium, provided they leave four or more foals registered in the Stud Book the following year. Even in Sweden the interest for the breed is increasing. There are a few Clydesdale breeders, and The Swedish Clydesdale Horse Society is incorporated in the Swedish Shire Horse Society. The Shire horse is the English counties equivalent of the Clydesdale and the two breeds have been inter-related to a mutual advantage of both breeds, although today when you see a good example of either breed, it is very clear which is which. |
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