5 Clydesdales Who Are Letting Their Feathered Freak Flags Fly

From dressage to eventing to barrel racing and beyond, these Clydesdales are just following the beat of a different drummer.

Top photo: Based on Dartmoor in Devon, UK, Adventure Clydesdales takes riders on adventurous hacks across the countryside on their fleet of surefooted Clydesdale horses. Visit them on Facebook or at AdventureClydesdale.com.

I think we’re all familiar with the “conventional” uses for draft horses:

Flickr/Trevor Dennis/Creative Commons License

And, of course, a few of them also moonlight as celebrities:

Flickr/Sam Howzit/Creative Commons License

But this majestic breed is good for more than just pulling loads. Have you ever seen a Clydesdale participate in these sports?

Dressage

The breed makes an excellent dressage mount. And when they starting flinging those feathered legs, watch out — so fancy! This horse, ridden by Sergei Byakin, has some of the most insane dressage moves I’ve ever seen. Spanish walk half-pass, wha?!?!?!?

Jumping

…as well as a brilliantly-talented jumper. Watch Rowan, shown here being ridden by Ashley Olles of Valley View Ranch, making short work of what looks like at least a 3’6″ oxer:

Eventing

Here’s an 18.2-hand Clydesdale attacking cross-country jumps with all the enthusiasm and determination of a thoroughbred event horse. Alfie’s owner describes him as “a pony club pony in a cart horse’s body” — you can follow his adventures, which also include foxhunting, via his Facebook page.

Barrel Racing

They might just be the next breed to be developed into championship barrel racers. This horse, Mentor, can really turn and burn, and he has other talents, too. Check out his YouTube channel for more videos of him pole-bending, tearing up speed and control classes, being driven in a pair and more.

Reining

If you think a Clydesdale can’t pull off a sliding stop, you’ve got to watch this!

Clydesdales have a lot of horse to give in all disciplines, as do many other draft horse breeds. What do you like to do with your drafts, Horse Nation?

Go Ride a Clydesdale!