What Horse Is Bigger Than A Clydesdale: Size Comparison

Largest Horse Breeds

When exploring what horse is bigger than a Clydesdale, it’s helpful to look at some of the largest horse breeds. Here are the characteristics of these magnificent animals, including the Clydesdales, Shire Horses, Percherons, and Belgian Draft Horses.

Clydesdale Characteristics

Clydesdales, known for their height and strength, are a popular breed famous for their elegant high-stepping action. Typically, a Clydesdale measures at least 17 hands high (hh) and can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds (900 kg). The tallest Clydesdale on record is Digger, standing at 19.2hh. These gentle giants are often seen in parades and commercials, admired for their striking appearance and immense power.

Characteristic	Measurement
Height	17hh – 19.2hh
Weight	Up to 2,000 lbs (900 kg)

Shire Horse Overview

The Shire Horse is often regarded as bigger than the Clydesdale, holding records for both the tallest and largest horse breed. Shire Horses can reach heights of up to 19.2hh and typically weigh between 850 kg and 1,100 kg. Known for their impressive pulling power, Shire Horses have been used historically for farm work and heavy hauling.

Characteristic	Measurement
Height	Up to 19.2hh
Weight	850 kg – 1,100 kg

Percheron and Belgian Draft Horses

Percheron Horses

Percherons are true heavyweights in the equine world, standing between 15 and 19 hands tall and weighing between 1,800 and 2,600 pounds. They are recognized for their muscular build, strong legs, and arched neck. Originally bred as war horses, Percherons have transitioned into roles in agriculture, logging, and show.

Characteristic	Measurement
Height	15hh – 19hh
Weight	1,800 lbs – 2,600 lbs

Belgian Draft Horses

Belgian Draft Horses stand between 16 and 18 hands high and weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds. They are known for combining immense power with a gentle demeanor, making them favorites for farm work and draft competitions. Despite their size, Belgian Draft Horses move with surprising grace and have a calm, willing temperament.

Characteristic	Measurement
Height	16hh – 18hh
Weight	1,800 lbs – 2,200 lbs

These breeds surpass the Clydesdale in various aspects, from height to weight. Each comes with unique features and historical significance that deserve respect and admiration from equine enthusiasts. For more specific details on these breeds and their uses, explore our sections on how fast horse can run and what horses eat.

Shire Horse Vs. Clydesdale

Height and Weight Comparison

When it comes to comparing the Shire horse to the Clydesdale, it’s clear that both are among the largest horse breeds in the world. However, the Shire horse is often considered slightly larger in terms of both height and weight.

Horse Breed	Height (hands)	Weight (pounds)
Shire Horse	16 – 19 hands	2,000 – 3,000 lbs
Clydesdale	16 – 18 hands	1,800 – 2,000 lbs

The Shire horse stands between 16 to 18 hands tall and can weigh over 2,000 pounds on average. Exceptional Shires have reached heights of up to 19 hands and weights pushing 3,000 pounds (Bay Area Equestrian Network).
The Clydesdale, though similar in height, typically weighs slightly less, averaging around 1,800 to 2,000 pounds (Bay Area Equestrian Network).

For more detail on how horses are measured, visit our article on how horses are measured.

Notable Records

The Shire horse holds several notable records in the world of heavyweight horses:

The biggest horse ever recorded was a Shire named Mammoth, who stood at an incredible 21.2 hands tall (7 feet 2 inches) and weighed 3,300 pounds. Born in 1848 in England, Mammoth remains the tallest and heaviest horse on record (Bay Area Equestrian Network).

While no specific towering giants in the Clydesdale breed can match Mammoth’s extraordinary size, many individual Clydesdales have gained fame thanks to their appearance and role in public displays and commercials.

Breed Popularity

Both Shire horses and Clydesdales are well-loved and have achieved a significant degree of popularity. However, their popularity stems from different areas of use and cultural significance.

Shire Horses: Known for their impressive size and strength, Shire horses have historically been used for heavy draft work, including pulling beer wagons and performing agricultural tasks. Their majestic appearance and hard-working nature have cemented their reputation among horse enthusiasts.
Clydesdales: Perhaps most famously associated with the Budweiser brand, Clydesdales are a staple in advertising and parades. Their distinctive feathered legs and regal stature have made them popular not just in working roles but in public appearances as well.

Read more about how horses are used in different industries. For information on horse health concerns and their longevity, you might find our article on how long horses live useful.

Internal Links Reference

Both Shire horses and Clydesdales remain iconic in their respective rights, admired for their size, strength, and contributions to human activities across history and into modern times.

Health Considerations

Understanding the health considerations for large horse breeds like the Clydesdale, Shire, and Percheron is crucial for ensuring their well-being. Let’s delve into the common health issues, obesity concerns, and longevity and care necessary for these magnificent animals.

Common Health Issues

Large horse breeds, including the Clydesdale, are prone to several health problems that need to be managed carefully to ensure their quality of life.

Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM): A genetic disease affecting Clydesdales, causing muscle weakness and pain. Proper diet and management can help control the symptoms. Mad Barn

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL): A condition affecting the lymphatic system, leading to swelling and skin infections, particularly in the legs.

Joint Disorders: The heavy build of these horses makes them susceptible to degenerative joint diseases like arthritis.

Infertility Problems: Breeding large horse breeds can sometimes be challenging due to underlying fertility issues.

Obesity Concerns

Due to their efficient metabolism, large horses like Clydesdales are at risk of becoming overweight, which can exacerbate other health issues.

Obesity can lead to:

Joint problems due to the added strain on their already large frames.
Laminitis, an inflammation of the hoof laminae, which can be painful and debilitating.

Balanced nutrition is essential. Owners should be mindful of their diet and exercise routine. For detailed information on their dietary needs, read what horses eat.

Longevity and Care

While large horses can live long and healthy lives, specific care practices can contribute to their longevity.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Preventive care, including vaccinations (check what vaccines do horses need) and dental care, is important.

Proper Grooming: Regular grooming and hoof care prevent issues like CPL and maintain overall health.

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet customized to their needs helps manage weight and prevent metabolic disorders.

Exercise: Adequate exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and supports joint health.

Life Expectancy: Below is a table providing the average lifespan of Clydesdales and other large horse breeds.

Breed	Average Lifespan
Clydesdale	20 – 25 years
Shire	25 – 30 years
Percheron	25 – 30 years

Taking good care of these gentle giants ensures they continue to thrive and maintain their majestic presence. For more tips on horse care, explore how to harness a horse and other related topics.

Historical Significance

In the rich history of draft horses, several breeds have left an indelible mark. They have served various roles, from agricultural work to modern-day exhibitions.

Famous Draft Horses

Throughout history, certain draft horses have gained prominence for their size, strength, and contributions to breeding programs. One such notable Clydesdale was Baron O’Buchlyvie, born in 1900, who became famous after being sold for 9,500 guineas (NCBI). His genome has provided crucial insights into the breed.

Horse Name	Breed	Notable Achievements
Baron O’Buchlyvie	Clydesdale	Sold for 9,500 guineas, influential in genetic studies
Dark Ronald	Thoroughbred	Contributed to modern subpopulations, insights into racing performance traits

Breeding Practices

Historical breeding practices for draft horses aimed to enhance specific traits such as size, temperament, and strength. Over time, selective breeding has led to noticeable differences between breeds like the Shire, Clydesdale, Percheron, and Belgian Draft Horse.

Early breeding programs emphasized crossbreeding to improve size and work capabilities, resulting in modern breeds that share genetic ancestry with historical specimens. The approach of imputing genomes from low-coverage historical horse specimens has provided insights into genetic ancestry and behavioral traits (NCBI).

Genetic Anthropology

Genetic studies reveal crucial information about the ancestry and evolution of modern draft horses. An extensive study characterized 8.7 million genomic variants from a panel of 430 horses across 73 breeds, including 20 Clydesdales and 10 Shire horses (NCBI). This study highlighted increased inbreeding in recent times and modern horses’ higher genetic similarity to those from historical populations.

Breed	Sampled Genomes	Key Findings
Clydesdale	20	High genetic similarity to historical specimens, increased inbreeding
Shire	10	Genetic propensity for size and strength, modern genetic insights

Today, the understanding and preservation of these genetic traits help maintain the robustness of draft horse breeds, ensuring their legacy continues. For more insights into the strength and capabilities of draft horses, visit our article on how high can horse jump or how fast horse can run.

Modern Day Impact

Draft horses have left a significant mark on modern society, from their commercial use to their market values and future trends.

Commercial Use

Draft horses, including those larger than Clydesdales, such as Shires, continue to play vital roles in various commercial activities. One of the most notable commercial uses is their presence in advertising and promotional efforts. For instance, the Budweiser Clydesdales have been an iconic symbol for the Budweiser brand since 1933, appearing in parades, commercials, and other promotional activities (Bay Area Equestrian Network).

Aside from promotional work, draft horses are used for agricultural purposes, logging, and even eco-friendly farming. Their strength and size make them ideal for tasks that require pulling heavy loads efficiently.

Market Values

Draft horses have gained substantial market value over the years, particularly in specialized markets. A notable example is the record-breaking sale of a draft horse named Pleasant County Supersonic in 2022, which fetched a staggering $137,500 at the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale (Mad Barn).

Horse Name	Price ($)	Event
Pleasant County Supersonic	137,500	Mid-America Draft Horse Sale
Record-Setting Shire	91,000	Private Auction

For more information on how horses are measured, visit our article on how horses are measured.

Future Trends

The future of draft horses, particularly those larger than Clydesdales, looks promising. There is a growing interest in sustainable and organic farming, where draft horses play a crucial role due to their minimal environmental impact compared to machinery.

Moreover, the popularity of draft horse events, like the one that set the record for the most draft horses ploughing simultaneously (84 horses in the UK, February 2015), highlights the continued fascination and reverence for these majestic animals (Mad Barn). This interest points to a growing appreciation for the power and grace of draft horses.

For additional reading on how long horses live and their health considerations, you can explore our article on how long horses live.

By understanding these factors, owners and enthusiasts can better appreciate the timeless allure and practical applications of draft horses in today’s world.

Fun Facts

Dive into some interesting and lesser-known facts about draft horses, particularly focusing on their world records, unique characteristics, and the experience of riding these gentle giants.

Draft Horse World Records

Draft horses have set some remarkable records that showcase their size, strength, and endurance.

Record	Holder	Details
Tallest Horse	Mammoth, a Shire	21.2 hands tall (7 feet 2 inches) (Bay Area Equestrian Network)
Heaviest Horse	Mammoth, a Shire	3,300 pounds (Bay Area Equestrian Network)
Most Draft Horses Ploughing Simultaneously	84 Draft Horses	Achieved in the UK, February 2015 (Mad Barn)

These records highlight the impressive physical capabilities of draft horses, especially the Shire breed which often surpasses the Clydesdale in both height and weight.

Unique Traits

Draft horses, including Shires, Clydesdales, and Percherons, possess unique traits that distinguish them from other horse breeds.

Feathering: One of the most distinctive features is the long hair, or feathering, on their lower legs. This trait is especially prominent in Shires and Clydesdales.
Gentle Giants: Despite their massive size, these horses are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, making them excellent for various tasks and interactions with people.
Strength: Their incredible strength is not just for show. Draft horses have historically been used for heavy labor such as plowing fields and hauling logs.

Riding Experience

Riding a draft horse offers a unique experience due to their size and distinct characteristics.

Height Advantage: Due to their height, riders can enjoy a higher vantage point compared to riding smaller horse breeds. This can make trail riding particularly enjoyable.
Smooth Gait: Although they are not typically used for speed, draft horses have a smooth gait that provides a comfortable ride.
Suitable for All Riders: Their gentle nature makes them suitable for riders of all experience levels, including beginners and children.

For more information on how draft horses compare in size and characteristics, check out our section on Shire Horse Vs. Clydesdale.

Learning more about these majestic creatures allows for a deeper appreciation of their role in history and their continued impact today. For related topics, explore our articles on how fast a horse can run and how high a horse can jump.