The Clydesdale horse is one of America’s most beloved and well-loved. They are a popular choice for the arena because they can be used to haul luggage.
How much does a Clydesdale horse actually cost? A Clydesdale horse’s initial cost is between $1000 and $25000. The United States is home to most Clydesdale farmers and breeders who will sell their horses for $1000 to $5000. Clydesdale horses are the most expensive in America, fetching a staggering $212,500
We provide a guideline on how much it will cost to purchase a Clydesdale horse as well as the maintenance costs.
What is a Clydesdale Horse?
The draft horse is a type of horse that you may have heard about. A Clydesdale horse, which is the Scottish version of the draft horse, is one of the most popular in the equine world. Its name may be clear, but it was born in Clydesdale in 18th century.
Clydesdales were used by farmers who raised them years ago for various agricultural purposes. It was able to transport goods by road or farm using its draught power. This breed is primarily used as a carriage horse, and it also shows in the riding and driving categories.
Clydesdale History
The first Clydesdale horses were born in Lanarkshire, formerly Clydesdale. The Duke of Hamilton brought Flemish stallions from Holland to Scotland, where they were born. To create this stronger breed, they bred them with local mares.
John Paterson of Lochlyloch also purchased another stallion in order to help create this horse breed. Clydesdale horses became more popular in a short time and were sought after by more people. The 11-year-old stallion Baron de Buchlyvie was sold in 1911 for PS9 700. This was a very high price for horses back then.
Many Clydesdales were exported from Scotland in the 19th and 20th centuries. 1617 stallions from Scotland were exported to different parts of the British Empire in 1911. These stallions were also imported from Russia, Europe, North & South America.
Clydesdales were imported from Australia. This country had approximately 25,000 Clydesdales between 1924 and 2008. This horse breed was so well-known that it was later called “the breed that built Australia”.
Clydesdales were still endangered in 2010, when they had approximately 5,000 worldwide.
Different Features of a Clydesdale Horse
It is easy to identify a Clydesdale horse. These are some of the special characteristics of this gentle horse breed.
Weight
Clydesdales can weigh anywhere from 1,600 to 2,200 pounds. They have changed over time and are now lighter than they were hundreds of years ago. They still have strong muscles and are very powerful.
Appearance
Clydesdales have a slightly bulging face, a inclined shoulder, a high withers and feathery tails. These horses average 162 to 183 cm in height, with some Clydesdale males reaching 183 cm. These stallions could also have large hooves and wide foreheads.
Color
Clydesdales are available in many colors today, including bay, grey and black. Some come in multiple colors. Some horses are reddish-brown with white markings on the legs and face. Some stallions also have the sabino color due to their sabino gene.
Clydesdales are sometimes bred with certain horses by farmers to produce a stallion that has a specific set of markings.
Hair Distribution
Clydesdales tend to have thick feathering in the lower legs. If the hair gets too long, it can lead to “Clyde’s itch”. Farmers believe it is a form of mange.
What Does a Clydesdale Horse Cost You?
A Clydesdale is a great horse for those who are passionate about horses. The initial cost of purchasing the horse is something you should consider.
The initial costs
According to the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA (CBS), a Clydesdale horse can be purchased for between $1,000 and $5,000. A top-shelf show horse or award-winning stallion might fetch as much as $20,000. These horses can fetch as little as $20,000.
You should be prepared to make other costs if you are thinking about buying a Clydesdale horse.
Healthcare
To ensure your Clydesdale is healthy throughout the year, you must take care of it. You will need to pay for the Clydesdale’s healthcare each year.
You will also need to find an experienced farrier to care for your horse’s hoof. It could cost between $25 and $150 per month.
Feeding
A Clydesdale horse must eat a lot of hay and grains daily in order to stay strong and healthy. Its age and the amount of work it does will determine what you feed it. Adult stallions can eat as much as 50 lbs of hay per day and as many grains each day.
This horse breed consumes more food per head than any other horse. A young Clydesdale costs between $150 and $175 per month to feed. Adult Clydesdales who work hard need horse joint supplements to help with the healing of their injured tissues and improve their health.
Boarding
Clydesdale boarding costs are a common expense for farmers, which can range from $500 to $2000 per month. This ensures that horses have safe and comfortable barns and stables. Shoes are also necessary. A set of shoes costs about $200. Some brands cost $150. You should replace them every four to eight weeks.
Clydesdale Horse Prices
| Clydesdale Horse | Price |
| Full grown adult male | $3,000 |
| Female Full Grown adult | $2,500 |
| Foal | $1,250 |
Factors that Influence the Price of a Clydesdale Horse
Are you ready to buy a Clydesdale horse or not? You should be aware that there are many factors that will impact the cost of bringing this beloved horse home. These factors are:
Scarcity
The 2016 Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist states that Clydesdale is a “vulnerable species”. Globally, there are approximately 5,000 Clydesdales. The price of this endangered horse breed will only rise if it is not protected.
Breed and bloodline
Consider the bloodline of your Clydesdale before you buy it. Champions bloodlines are more costly but well worth the investment. These horses can be used to breed more desirable horses or earn an income through their show wins.
Clydesdales tend to be less expensive than sport horses or other superior horse breeds.
Age
Price of a Clydesdale Horse can also be affected by age. The prime age for this breed is between 5-14 years. It is therefore more expensive. However, Clydesdales older than 5-14 years are more affordable.
Size
Most cases, the bigger the item, the more costly it will be. Although this is a significant factor in determining the cost of a Clydesdale Horse, it is not the only thing that sellers take into consideration. Here, other factors like the cost of caring for the horse are important.
Training
Clydesdales that are exceptionally trained can be purchased for as high as $5,000. Because this horse breed is difficult to train, a professional trainer is required and a lot of dedication. Untrained horses can be sold for as low as $3,000.
Localization
When setting the price for this horse breed, Clydesdale sellers take into consideration the geographic location. You might need to cover relocation costs if you plan on importing Clydesdale.
Show Records
A Clydesdale that has won show records is worth at least $5,000. A horse that has shown success in shows will fetch a higher price. One horse could be priced as high as $10,000.
Boarding costs
For example, if you buy a Clydesdale horse but are unable or unwilling to care for it, then add boarding fees to the initial price. The facility you choose will determine the amount you have to pay.
Equipment to Buy with Clydesdale Horse
Along with your Clydesdale horse, you will need other equipment. These are the most important:
Harness Equipment
Because it is essential to keep your Clydesdale horse safe, harness equipment is important. These include a saddle for riding the horse and a hackamore for controlling it. These are just a few examples:
- Breastplate
- Girth
- Bridle
- Crupper
- Martingale
Food
To ensure the comfort of your Clydesdale horse when it moves into its new home, you can purchase horse feed. It will need quality pellets and good horse hay. The amount of feed you give it will depend on how old it is and how active it is.
Trailer
You can use a horse trailer (also known as a van) to transport your Clydesdale horse from one place to another. You can choose any design that you like, but make sure it is big enough to accommodate your horse.
FAQs
What is the average length of a Clydesdale’s pregnancy?
The average age is 11 months. The newborn will gain approximately 4 pounds each day if it is well fed and taken care of.
How many Clydesdale foals are born each year?
In the United States alone, there are approximately 600 new foals each year. These horses also come from other countries, such as Australia, Canada and Great Britain.
Are Clydesdales allowed to be ridden?
Yes. Clydesdales are calm and can be ridden. They are easy to train.
What weight can they pull or carry?
Clydesdales can pull or transport 320 lbs. Their weight ranges from 1,600 to 1,800 pounds. It is important to note that the horse they are pulling can make a difference. These horses can pull wagons as heavy as their weight.
What and how much food does a Clydesdale eat per day?
The amount of work a Clydesdale puts in per day will determine how much food it consumes. These horses typically require between 3-10 and 25-50 pounds of grain, as well as 25-50 pounds of hay.
