Horses

Our horses can often be found pulling sleighs or our Tally-Ho ride around the Central Experimental Farm. We have the awe-inspiring Clydesdales and the Canadian horse for you to visit in the Horse and Cattle Barn.

Canadian

The Canadian horse was introduced into Canada in 1665, when the King of France sent horses from his own stables to the people of his North American colony. The Canadian horse increased in number during the following century to become an invaluable ally to the settlers in their efforts to survive and prosper in their new home. The harsh conditions of North America made him smaller in size as compared to his ancestors. The Canadian horse distinguishes itself as a breed by its qualities of great strength and endurance, resilience, intelligence and good temper. These qualities combined along with his change in size explain why this breed has the nickname "The Little Iron Horse". On average, the Canadian Horse stand from 14 to 16 hands at the withers (1.4 to 1.6 metres, 4'6" to 5'4"), weighing from 450 to 650 kgs (1000 to 1350 lbs.). The majority of Canadian horses are black, but brown, bay and chestnut are also common. In 2002, to recognize the unique place of the Canadian Horse in the history of Canada, the Government of Canada passed the National Horse Act of Canada which provides for the recognition of the Canadian horse as the national horse of Canada.

Clydesdale

This breed was developed in Lanarkshire, Scotland (formerly called Clydesdale). It was bred to meet both agricultural and commercial needs: working on 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 at the withers (1.6 to 1.8 metres, 5'5"-6') and weighs 800-900 kgs (1600-1800 lbs.) This well-built horse with strong shoulders and legs gives an impression of grace and efficiency in spite of its large size.

The Clydesdale is considered an active horse, intelligent and calm. It lifts each foot high off the ground as it steps. A characteristic which allows the horse to pull harder and with more leverage.

© 2007 Canada Agriculture Museum