This breed has been on the edge of extinction in the 1960 - 70, but thanks to dedicated horse breeders, its population is slowly and steadily increasing in numbers. It is classified as a rare breed. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust considers it as a "vulnerable" breed.
The Clydesdale horse in his modern appearance is slightly different compared to his ancestors from the 19th century: through well-planned and cautious use of new blood lines the hair coat contains now more white hair.
Clydesdale and Shire horse have been used to mutually improve some of each other's breed characteristics:
The big Scott increased in size and got white hair on the whole length of the leg;
The Shire breed became finer, improved skin health of the fetlocks and would develop a silkier feathering.
The modern "Gentle Giant" has increased in height and his body is still well proportioned, showing quality.
Beside all this he preserves a kind and gentle temperament, which makes him a reliable and easy to handle horse.
These versatile horses are bred by farmers and horse enthusiasts who have to invest heavily into this kind of hobby and to ensure the survival of the breed.
The horse does not have to "earn" its living any more with hard farm work.
Exports of horses in the late 19th century to North America and strict breeding programs to maintain quality of the breed helped to increase the population considerably with now annually over 600 new registrations.
The Clydesdale Breeders of the USA are a respectable association with the sole aim to preserve and grow this breed of horses.
Modern use is for showing and advertising of breweries and other, various businesses by pulling brewery wagons and various and colorful types of tradesmen's carts.
Also it gains more and more friends amongst horse back riders: show jumping, dressage, endurance rides, recreational riding and driving etc. Crossbreeds perform very well in various equestrian disciplines.
Some Scottish City Councils help to preserve the breed whilst using Clydesdale horses for PR reasons and for work within urban council departments.
This horse breed is gaining more and more interest from companies offering wedding carriage hire services to provide weddings with an impressive framework.
Like in continental Europe, where working horses in the forest industry have been re-established for a long time, the Clydesdale pays also its contribution to the protection of our environment: it is used during wood harvesting for pulling logs out of woods.
It has been proved that a horse does not cause devastating damage to trees and forest grounds.
