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Central Experimental
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Agriculture in Canada













     

HORSES

Our horses often can be found pulling sleighs or our Tally-Ho ride around the Central Experimental Farm. We will soon have two breeds in our barns, the awe-inspiring Clydesdale and the historic Canadian.

Clydesdale

This breed was developed in Lanarkshire, Scotland (formerly called Clydesdale). It was bred to meet both agricultural and commercial needs: working farms as well as hauling coal. This horse was successfully exported around the world, becoming virtually the only breed of draught horse in Scotland and New Zealand. A Clydesdale stands 16.2 - 18 hands high (1.6 to 1.8 metres) and weighs 800-900 kgs (1600-1800 lbs.) The impression created by a thoroughly well-built typical Clydesdale is that of strength and activity. The idea is not grossness and bulk, but quality and weight.

The Clydesdale is considered an active horse, intelligent and calm: they lift each foot high off the ground as they step. This characteristic gives the horse more leverage which allows it to pull harder and with more leverage.

Canadian Horse

The ancestors of the Canadian horse are among the best horses from Northern France, the first of which arrived in Canada in 1647. Natural selection in the harsh Canadian climate ensured that only the hardiest of animals survived. Although the Canadian horse is smaller than its French ancestors, its strength and endurance are unmatched for its size.

© 2003 Canada Agriculture Museum
Comments to: sdumont@technomuses.ca