Pet Clydesdale?

Question

Where would I find a Clydesdale for sale, and how much a year/month would it cost to keep one healthy and happy?

I realize that it is a big responsibility and I have the room for it. I've researched this particular breed thorughly, i simply wanted to know some of your ideas...

I mean "pet" as in my ownership of a Clydesdale.

Answer 1

I have a Clyde & he is just the sweetest thing....now. He needed some training when I got him.

He eats about twice as much as my other horses, costs about $250 every six weeks for half shoes, I guess I am saying take your normal expenses for a light horse and just double them(ish). Vet costs can run more b/c his size i.e. it takes more medication to sedate a larger animal therefore costs more you know, all that kind of stuff. You also really need to watch out for a problem a lot of drafts with feathers get called "Scratches" It can make them miserable and is very difficult to treat especially in humid climates. Drafts are also notorious for having bad feet in general. BUT he is wonderful now and a total Joy to have around & a very smooth ride. Now if I could only get him to stop scratching his but on my pipe panels and bending them! His outside run is now an oval. :) Here is a picture of him, his name is Junior
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/jillian118/IMG_0724.jpg

Answer 2

Clydesdale Horses Cost

Answer 3

Ok, so let's say for a moment you do have the means to support a horse. And you've chosen a Clydesdale... fine.

The first thing you need to do is find an equine veterinarian in your area and let them know you are looking into getting your first horse, and your intentions are having it as a pet. Your new vet will be able to tell you all the basics of caring for the horse, and educate you into the more-detailed things, like proper feeds, etc.. signs of illness and such and such.

The next thing for you to do, is to contact an equine rescue. There are many draft horses (and I am sure you can find a Clydesdale here and there) that get taken to rescue when they get too old to use for things like vaulting/circuses, carriage companies (like those that operate in NYC, Atlanta, Louisiana, etc...), or even those dinner theaters that use horses in their performances - even Walt Disney World uses horses for various reasons - and when they're done, they get adopted out to qualified homes.


Not only will the rescue help to educate you, you will probably also have to fill out an adoption paper and get approved to adopt, and they might be able to point you in the right direction of getting the exact breed you want.

It would be a nice thing to do for an older Clydesdale to let it live out its days well cared for and not have to work.

You might also want to consider volunteering a day or two a week or month at the rescue, so you can get a true hands on feeling for caring for horses before you bring your new big guy home. "Bookworms" know the text version - but any horse owner can tell you the "live print" version is quite a bit different sometimes.

Answer 4

I have a full draft, essentially mostly clydesdale.
As for price: depending on if you want a riding or driving one, and registered or not, you can get one for everything from free to $20,000 or so. Most average around 1500-4000ish.

As for cost of keeping one- it all depends on where you live. In my area, it is about $5,000 a year to keep a horse boarded somewhere (WI). On either coast, I have heard that number jumping into the hundred thousands in some areas.

If you have never ridden or driven before, I suggest starting out with an older one, and under some sort of professional/experienced trainer. Draft horses are huge and while they are known as the "gentle giants", there are quite a few that know that they are bigger and stronger than you (just like any other horse can) and will use that to their advantage. Drafts are able to do more damage, but are overall less likely to attempt to become the lead horse.

If you have not had horses, please take lessons first on any breed or at least work around a barn with horses to gain some experienced.

For drafts for sale: we have sold and bought horses off of here: http://www.draftsforsale.com/

Otherwise try the normal agdirect.com or equine.com or dreamhorse.com and look for drafts.

Answer 5

ok im assuming since you said "pet clydesdale" that you possibly dont have a whole lot of experience in horses. if that is the case, you do not need a clydesdale, yes they are great horses, but rather LARGE and tend to eat ALOT and cost ALOT. Generally they will eat a couple hundred pounds of feed a month, 2-3 times a day, so there are a couple hundred dollars, plus vet, boarding fee if you are boarding it, tack, farrier etc. horses are not cheap in general, and having a draft horse that requires more feed, and a different type of tack because of the size, this is not cheap
Most of the horses range in size from 16.2 to 18 hands and weigh between 1600 and 1800 lbs. Some of the mature stallions and geldings are taller and will weigh up to 2200 lbs.

i also would say that i wouldnt classify horses as "pets" they arent like dogs or cats. horses take ALOT of care and work. are you ready for that?

Answer 6

Contact Barb & Jess Adams at Riverside Clydes in Arcola, IL 61910

They're lovely, wonderful people who breed a really nice line of Clydesdale horses.

Answer 7

pet clydesdale

Answer 8

You know, that's funny because they came here last year (Wyoming) and we could pet them. They gave people rides in the wagon, and then you could stand by the horses and have your picture taken too. These ones were from California. I wonder if there are different rules for the different sets of horses. But that seems dumb.

Answer 9

They are not exactly pets; they're working horses and are happiest when they're working.

Answer 10

try horsetopia