Ah, the Clydie Cross. If you’ve spent any time around my property or on my social media, you’ll know how much I love them. But it’s very interesting that Clydie crosses make up a large number of the horses who come through my gates for behavioural training – and it’s not their fault.
Just yesterday, I received yet another enquiry about a Clydie X mare needing help. It got me thinking: maybe it’s time to put this conversation into words and share a broader perspective on why these horses are so often misunderstood – and why, when handled with softness, kindness and skill, they can be absolutely brilliant.
The Legacy of the Clydesdale
Clydesdales are, by nature, powerful, loyal, sensitive, and intelligent. Historically, they were bred as essential work partners for farmers – not just tools, but teammates. These horses were deeply valued because a family’s livelihood depended on their health and willingness to work. As a result, they often enjoyed long-term, consistent ownership and care (for the time period), and were raised in environments that nurtured their sensitive dispositions.
They weren’t seen as “dopey giants.” They were prized for their mix of strength, heart, and brains.
The Modern Crossbreeds
Fast forward a few generations, and the Clydesdale is now commonly crossbred with lighter, sportier horses – Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Paints – in an attempt to create an all-rounder suitable for amateur riders. The goal? A strong, athletic, loyal, intelligent partner who can handle a bit of everything: trail rides, low-level dressage, maybe some eventing.
When the cross works, it really works. But when it doesn’t, the results can be… challenging. And then add in an unsuspecting owner who purchases the horse having been told from their local dealer or ‘trainer’: “oh, get a Clydie X, the Clydie in him will mellow out the sport horse”…
Imagine combining the emotional sensitivity and strength of a Clydesdale with the reactivity and anxiety of a high-strung Thoroughbred. Now add athleticism, intelligence, and – often – a strong-willed mare personality. You don’t end up with a casual weekend hack. You get a horse with both physical power and emotional volatility – a tricky combination for anyone, especially an inexperienced or inconsistent handler.
One of the best analogies I’ve heard is this: you don’t cross the Albert Einstein of horses with the Marilyn Monroe of horses and assume you’ll get a smart, stunning offspring. Genetics doesn’t work like that. You’re just as likely – if not more – to end up with a less stable mix of traits that require serious management.
What These Horses Really Need
When a Clydie cross lands in training with me, particularly the mares, I already know the checklist:
- Athletic, but lacking confidence and direction
- Sensitive, but intelligent
- Strong, but insecure
These horses need clarity. They need consistency. They need confident (but never forceful) handling. No bluff, no bravado. Just straight, respectful communication and soft hands.
All horses, but especially the sensitive ones, thrive when:
- Given meaningful but short training sessions
- Quitting after improvement, not perfection
- Living in environments that reduce emotional stress (pasture turnout, social contact, minimal confinement)
- Being offered both mental stimulation and physical outlets – without drama
Case Studies
If you want to watch how commonly these horses end up in behavioural training, just check out the following case studies in my Behavioural Cases Library:
- Dakota – Clydie X Warmblood
- Cardi – Clydie X Warmblood
- Tequila – Clydie X Thoroughbred
Each of these mares came with unique challenges – and each has made significant progress with a thoughtful, kind approach. Countless others have come through our training and successfully returned to their owners, with everyone happier, calmer and more regulated.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a young Clydie X (especially a beautifully sensitive mare), my best advice is this: don’t wait until problems escalate. Set up a clear framework early. Keep training sessions short and progressive. Reward improvement, not perfection. And always remember – you’re working with a horse that’s both emotionally and physically powerful. That’s not a weakness. That’s potential – if you learn how to unlock it.
The problem isn’t the cross breed itself – its actually more about our human assumptions and lack of understanding of the history of the combined breeds that sets these beautifully intelligent and sensitive horses up for a lifetime of confusion and miscommunication. My wish is for the horses to no longer be seen as the “plod along, reserved, stoic horses” but instead celebrated for the powerhouse of physical and emotional presence they bring to every interaction.
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