Pros and cons: Clydesdales vs Irish Draughts

S

savia

Well-Known Member
Joined
27 June 2011
Messages
411
Visit site
Hey guys!:D

I've been looking for a new horse for over a year now and, as Sod's Law dictates, two came along at once, and I can't decide between the two.:o

The kind of horse I've been looking for: A decent weight carrier, that I can enjoy, and perhaps have a go at some low level eventing with, sane and fairly sensible.

The two horses I've found: A Clydesdale mare, not too heavy compared with some I've seen, not too much feather and has a good temprement.(sp?)
Horse 2 is an ID filly, again good temprement, and quite sporty, but still has a good amount of bone.

The trouble is, I can't choose between the two horses, so I'd like to ask you lovely people about the pros and cons of both breeds, and possibly an opinion on which would be better for my needs.Feel free to ask for more info, if needed!:D
 
I've owned both and loved both so not much help there. I would try and imagine that I got a phone call saying clyde or ID had been sold to someone else and see how I felt.
 
I am an ID convert, had two fantastic ones who have been real family members with the ability to do eventing, dressage, hunt, RC and working hunter show classes. Just fantastic all rounders without hang ups.

What a great decision to have to make.
 
If you want to event if say the ID- much more athletic and bred to jump, they are often exceptionsl hunters...whereas Clydesdales are traditional draughts, bred to pull.
 
Either would be great horses. Both would probably struggle with getting/staying fit enough and making the time for XC eventing. I've known both go round the courses with no problems, but with time faults. Both would be wonderful allrounders.

If one is a filly, does that mean you'd have to break her in, and is the other older and ready to go?
 
Thanks for the posts guys!:D

Honey08-The Clydie is 5 and the ID is 3, neither have been broken in yet, so both need some work.

ETA-I'm not so fussed about getting time faults in xc, as it's all about getting the experience under my belt.
 
Last edited:
P.s I know quite a few IDs that event and make the time... Suppose depends on the level though and admittedly they will be harder to get fit than a LW tb :)
 
Personal preference would have me go for the Clydesdale, but that's just me. I do like Irish Drafts, too, though (one of my top 5 horses is a grey ID gelding).

People will tell you a Clydie can't do things as well as other horses, but I've heard of people eventing, dressage, barrel-racing, jumping (myself included!) and even endurance on the big beasts. They can do it - give them a shot.
 
DarenCogdon said:
Personal preference would have me go for the Clydesdale, but that's just me. I do like Irish Drafts, too, though (one of my top 5 horses is a grey ID gelding).

People will tell you a Clydie can't do things as well as other horses, but I've heard of people eventing, dressage, barrel-racing, jumping (myself included!) and even endurance on the big beasts. They can do it - give them a shot.
Click to expand...

Yes, I've just managed to work my way through your epic Clydie thread, and some of the pics were amazing!
 
I evented a Clydie x in Oz and the TB in him just didn't have enough influence!! They just don't compare with a decent, athletic ID!! (And why haven't you been to see me - if an ID is a toss-up with a Clydie, then she's not a good enough ID!!:D)

summer-almost%20there.jpg


Melody-6.jpg
 
JanetGeorge said:
I evented a Clydie x in Oz and the TB in him just didn't have enough influence!! They just don't compare with a decent, athletic ID!! (And why haven't you been to see me - if an ID is a toss-up with a Clydie, then she's not a good enough ID!!:D)

summer-almost%20there.jpg


Melody-6.jpg
Click to expand...

Those horses are gorge!;):D
 
Are they both purebreds or crosses?

Over this side of the pond the Clydesdale X TB is quite a popular hunting horse. We don't see too many IDs around where I live, we do see loads of Clyde X TBs. They do tend to be quite flashy looking and similar to WB but often with tall stockings and a lot of white on the face, flash sells over here.

I owned an ID x TB for many many years and she was a fabulous horse. Very competent and an incredible show jumper. Bit of a nut, full of life and never a dull ride!

If they are both purebreds then I'd go for the ID without doubt. Somehow I just cannot see a Clyde doing XC to any great levels.
 
Had both a 3/4 Clyde who could do anything and also we used to breed pure bred ids. Both excellent horses with great attitudes.
Pics below pure bred ID and my 3/4 Clyde. Clyde was fully hunting fit and needed to be clipped every 8 weeks but had the most amazing feet ever.


 
Last edited:
Spring Feather said:
Are they both purebreds or crosses?
Click to expand...

They're both pure-breds - both 4 - both graded Class 1 at 2. AND they're related. The darker grey's Mum is a full sister to the lighter grey. The darker grey (Sweet Melody) is by the gorgeous Avanti Amorous Archie, the light grey (Summer Song) by my boy. The lighter grey is a touch heavier and more 'traditional'. TBH, I wouldn't expect either of them to go 4* - although with the right rider I think tey could both go Class 2. With the darker grey, though, dresage will be her 'thing'. You just can't train her TOO much! Summer would prefer hunting, hacking, hunter trials and maybe a teensy bit of dressage - she is closer to her Mum - so has a touch of 'attitude' that her father couldn't rule out entirely! ;)
 
rema said:
Another ID vote..You cannot beat them..There is nothing a ID wont have a go at..
Click to expand...

Seconded, ID's are the best all rounder, pleasure horse breed to have ever looked through a bridle.

I have a cob at the moment that is Clyde x RID. Not a cross I have seen before, but does her job of hacking, cheap to keep and straight forward. Built for comfort not speed !

 
No contest. Irish Draught every time. I love a Clydie but really for me there is no contest as to which I'd want to own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top