The Draft Breeds of Gkeat Bkitaix 99 



ideas and methods. WTiile the Scotch breed is still the pre- 

 eminent drafter, it may be said that the Clydesdale has reached 

 the height of its popularity. The many importations of 

 Percherons, and their larger numbers in the show rings, in the 

 past few years, would indicate the increasing demand for the 

 French breed across the border. 



('hamcteristlcs 



The modern Clydesdale is somewhat lighter in weight than the 

 other draft breeds, ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 pounds— a few 

 are heavier. They average in height from 15-3 to 17 hands. In 

 color, they are chiefly browns and bays, many having more or 

 less white hairs mixed in their coats. There are also some blacks, 

 !-oans and chestnuts. Gray is not a popular color. The abun- 

 dant white markings on fat-e and legs, which often reaches the 

 body in irregular splashes, seem to be favored by the Scotch 

 breeder, also the feather or hair on the legs, which has been some- 

 what reduced and improved in quality. 



The good qualities of the C^lydesdale from an American stand- 

 point would be their level top, well-sprung ribs, quality of hocks 

 ai-d bone, well-set pasterns, with true straight action at a walk 

 and trot that is remarkable, being surpassed by no other breed. 

 The criticism of a ( 'lydesdale today is their tendency to be light 

 in the body, narrow in chest and loose in coupling. This 

 rather rangy conformation is probably the cause of their slower 

 maturity. They are also not as easy keepers as the closer-made 

 breeds. The breed also lacks in bone and in feet, which are 

 inclined to be flat. 



From the Scottish breeders' obstinate refusal to cooperate or 

 consider the wants or recpiirements of the American trade it 

 would seem they must have greatly underestimated the limitless 

 room for Clydesdale expansion on this side of the Atlantic. This 

 expansion is only possible when Clydesdale breeders can satisfy the 

 insistent and increasing American demand for a more rugged, 

 draftier horse, having more bone, clean-legged, and the white 

 eliminated from their coats. The future success of this breed in 

 this country depends on the ability of the breeder to change from 

 the Scotch to the American type of draft horse. 



