JeffandDebbie Conwell - 2013-07-10 Our Clydesdale has growths under her feathers about 4 inches up from backside of all four of her hooves. They look like duclaws or very weird growing nails. Any idea what this is?
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Loren - 2013-10-12 I have been told by my farrier that these are perfectly normal, and when you get your horses feet trimmed next ask the farrier to cut them off. I have to admit I was a bit freaked out when I saw them for the first time.
janet gray - 2014-12-15 What Loran is saying is correct.Our Clydesdales have them too,and the farrier cuts them off from time to time.
Jola - 2018-01-10 All horses have these; they're just much bigger in heavy draughts. They're called ergots and are remnants of a 'toe' from the 3-toed ancestor of the equus calibus. Remnants of the other toe are now the chestnuts near the knees/hocks.
Clydesdale Mad - 2012-11-25 Who on earth said that Clydesdales were not used for ploughing? Clydesdales were bred in Scotland to work the land as well as for pulling. The true 'Scottish' breed also has 'COW HOCKS' as a standard so that their huge feet would fit into the furrows (and they still do)! Whoever wrote that Clydesdales weren't 'plough' horses is having a joke. What has America done with our Clydesdales. Not bred for ploughing and only used as 'flashy carriage horses'? There weren't any 'flashy carriages' in Scotland (we were too poor) and only 'The Laird' would have carriages when these laddies were bred. Scotland was predominently a FARMING and FISHING country back then. Where do you get your information from? My auld grandfather would turn in his grave if he heard about this.
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Clarice Brough - 2012-11-25 I understood the information a little bit differently, saying that their legs were bred to be very sturdy... so they are excellently suited for pulling carriages on hard cobblestone roads. Also they were used throughout many countries for farm work, so it naturally seems that they would have been used for ploughing. However I can see how it is confusing and you've provided a very interesting tidbit as well, about their being bred with 'cow hocks' as a standard, so their large feet would fit into the furrows.
Merida DunBroch - 2016-01-31 I agree. Clydesdales were used as plough horses for years! That's what they were bred for in the first place! And anyone who thinks that Clydesdales aren't from Scotland, just watch Brave. Merida has one named Angus and Queen Elinor owns a white one.
Lori - 2016-09-24 My half friesian/Clydesdale has CPL (chronic progressive lymphedema and there is no cure. Is it true that almost all Clydesdales end up with this crippling disease? He is 10 years and vet is coming to assess the progression. Got him last April and knew something was amiss. His feathers have been shaved and will remain so.
desiree - 2009-01-18 I have wanted a horse for a long time now and I decided awhile back that I wanted a Clydesdale and I am happy to have found out that they do make good riding horses. Hopefully I'll be able to get one someday and thank you for helping me get this information.
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Lilian - 2015-04-03 Hello Desiree, how are you doing? Have a Clydesdale, if you have not gotten, please contact me liliandouglas_334@yahoo.com
peter pickering - 2014-08-02 Re Clydesdale Horses. Small point. Your article mentioned "feathers", the long hair on the lower part of the legs. The correct term is "feather", no "S". Feathers are on birds. Sorry to be so pedantic but can someone delete the "s".
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Anonymous - 2014-08-02 Consider it done... These guys are definetly not flying around the barnyard..Thanks!
The Clydesdale is one of the most popular heavy horses in the world!
looking for a 4 to 17 year old Clydesdale mare for riding and is under 10k that's any color
Looking for a Bay Gelding to drive with our Black Gelding thank you!
Our Clydesdale has growths under her feathers about 4 inches up from backside of all four of her hooves. They look like duclaws or very weird growing nails. Any idea what this is?
I have been told by my farrier that these are perfectly normal, and when you get your horses feet trimmed next ask the farrier to cut them off. I have to admit I was a bit freaked out when I saw them for the first time.
What Loran is saying is correct.Our Clydesdales have them too,and the farrier cuts them off from time to time.
All horses have these; they're just much bigger in heavy draughts. They're called ergots and are remnants of a 'toe' from the 3-toed ancestor of the equus calibus. Remnants of the other toe are now the chestnuts near the knees/hocks.
Thanks for the amazing info :)
Who on earth said that Clydesdales were not used for ploughing? Clydesdales were bred in Scotland to work the land as well as for pulling. The true 'Scottish' breed also has 'COW HOCKS' as a standard so that their huge feet would fit into the furrows (and they still do)! Whoever wrote that Clydesdales weren't 'plough' horses is having a joke. What has America done with our Clydesdales. Not bred for ploughing and only used as 'flashy carriage horses'? There weren't any 'flashy carriages' in Scotland (we were too poor) and only 'The Laird' would have carriages when these laddies were bred. Scotland was predominently a FARMING and FISHING country back then. Where do you get your information from? My auld grandfather would turn in his grave if he heard about this.
I understood the information a little bit differently, saying that their legs were bred to be very sturdy... so they are excellently suited for pulling carriages on hard cobblestone roads. Also they were used throughout many countries for farm work, so it naturally seems that they would have been used for ploughing. However I can see how it is confusing and you've provided a very interesting tidbit as well, about their being bred with 'cow hocks' as a standard, so their large feet would fit into the furrows.
I agree. Clydesdales were used as plough horses for years! That's what they were bred for in the first place! And anyone who thinks that Clydesdales aren't from Scotland, just watch Brave. Merida has one named Angus and Queen Elinor owns a white one.
My half friesian/Clydesdale has CPL (chronic progressive lymphedema and there is no cure. Is it true that almost all Clydesdales end up with this crippling disease? He is 10 years and vet is coming to assess the progression. Got him last April and knew something was amiss. His feathers have been shaved and will remain so.
Clydesdale needed. Must be muscular and strong. Appx. age- 15 yrs. Using for hauling loads up to 230 lbs. Thanks!
Tiffany are you still looking for a Clydesdale?? I have one available. Thanks, Patty
Does that clydesdale in the photo have and eye?
That horse is beautiful
Duh. The eyes are on the sides.
Hi the eye is closed not trying to be rude but it is obvious
I have wanted a horse for a long time now and I decided awhile back that I wanted a Clydesdale and I am happy to have found out that they do make good riding horses. Hopefully I'll be able to get one someday and thank you for helping me get this information.
Hello Desiree, how are you doing? Have a Clydesdale, if you have not gotten, please contact me liliandouglas_334@yahoo.com
what do Clydesdales dose
i dont know
I like horse stories becouse I had a horse once
I. Love. Horses.
me also
Re Clydesdale Horses. Small point. Your article mentioned "feathers", the long hair on the lower part of the legs. The correct term is "feather", no "S". Feathers are on birds. Sorry to be so pedantic but can someone delete the "s".
Consider it done... These guys are definetly not flying around the barnyard..Thanks!