Yes, you can ride a Clydesdale horse, but due to their large size and build, riding them requires some special considerations. Riders often need mounting blocks to get on, and special tack must be used to accommodate their big frames. Clydesdales are bred as draft horses, so they are strong and gentle but better suited for leisurely rides rather than fast or competitive riding.
Clydesdales are special because of their impressive size, gentle and calm nature, and distinctive feathered legs which make them iconic among draft horses. They are strong, steady, versatile, and have historical significance as hardworking draft horses. Their majestic appearance and friendly temperament add to their unique appeal.
Although Clydesdales are large and powerful, they are not the biggest horse breed. Other draft breeds like Shires typically surpass them in height and weight, making Shires the largest breed generally recognized.
Clydesdales are not extinct but are considered threatened, with around 5,000 left worldwide. Their numbers have declined due to the rise of modern machinery in agriculture and transport, which reduced the need for draft horses. Ongoing conservation and breeding programs aim to preserve this breed and its heritage.