The Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse recognizable worldwide for its immense size, muscular build, and powerful presence. Originating in Scotland, these horses were developed to handle the heaviest agricultural and industrial work. A striking feature that sets the Clydesdale apart is the long, flowing hair adorning its lower legs and hooves, a characteristic known as “feathering.” This distinctive trait has a complex history tied to human selection, practical function, and specific care requirements.
Defining the Distinctive “Feathers”
Feathering refers to the abundant growth of long hair that starts near the horse’s knees and hocks, covering the cannon bone, fetlock, and pastern areas. Unlike the coarse hair on the rest of the body, the Clydesdale’s feathering is typically fine and silky, often displaying the breed’s characteristic white markings. This hair flows densely, sometimes nearly obscuring the hoof when the horse is standing still.
The density and length of these feathers are highly valued within show ring standards. A full set of feathering contributes significantly to the powerful and elegant visual impression the Clydesdale makes, separating it from many other draft breeds.
Selective Breeding and the Trait’s Origin
The presence of profuse feathering is a direct result of deliberate selection by breeders dating back to the 18th century in Scotland’s Lanarkshire region, near the River Clyde. Farmers needed a powerful animal capable of pulling heavy loads over challenging terrain, leading them to cross local mares with larger imported Flemish stallions. The resulting draft horse combined massive size with the necessary strength for plowing and industrial haulage.
Breeders began to associate heavy feathering with a robust skeletal structure and overall soundness, a desirable combination for a working animal. The trait became a visual indicator of “good bone” and physical integrity in the marketplace, causing it to be deliberately selected for over many generations. This human preference elevated feathering to a defining and required characteristic of the breed standard.
The Industrial Revolution further increased the demand for strong draft horses, and the Clydesdale’s reputation spread globally. As the breed was refined, the striking appearance, including the abundant white feathering, was continually emphasized to increase the horse’s appeal for promotional events and show purposes. The modern Clydesdale’s appearance is thus a testament to centuries of selective breeding focused on both utility and aesthetics.
Practical Functions of the Leg Hair
While selective breeding reinforced the trait, the hair also provides several practical benefits, especially in the cold, damp climate of the Clydesdale’s native region. The long, thick hair acts as a natural protective layer for the horse’s lower legs. This barrier helps to insulate the skin against the cold and wet conditions encountered while working in muddy fields or on wet roads.
The feathering also serves a mechanical function by shielding the sensitive skin around the pastern and coronet band from injury. The dense hair provided protection against scratches and minor cuts from sharp underbrush, thorns, and brambles encountered by working horses. Furthermore, the hair helps to channel water and mud away from the skin, preventing excessive moisture from reaching the heel bulbs.
This natural wicking action is important because continuous dampness can soften the skin, making it vulnerable to various infections. The feathering offered a degree of natural defense against environmental factors, enhancing the horse’s ability to withstand harsh weather.
Specific Health and Grooming Requirements
The very density that gives the feathering its protective and aesthetic qualities also creates challenges for Clydesdale owners. The abundant hair traps moisture, mud, and debris close to the skin, creating a warm, damp environment. This microclimate significantly increases the horse’s susceptibility to Pastern Dermatitis, commonly called “mud fever” or “scratches.”
Pastern Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasitic mites that thrive in the moist, protected environment of the feathers. If left unaddressed, the condition can lead to painful scabs, oozing lesions, and swelling of the lower leg. Intensive grooming is necessary to mitigate these risks, requiring owners to regularly wash, thoroughly dry, and inspect the skin beneath the dense hair.
Failure to keep the feathers clean and dry can lead to chronic irritation, making the skin barrier easily breached by pathogens. Routine care often involves working specialized products down to the skin to ensure dryness and prevent the establishment of fungal or bacterial colonies. This focused maintenance is an ongoing necessity for preserving the health of a Clydesdale’s distinctive lower legs.