At Clydesdale Outpost, our mission is to breed horses that not only embody the beauty and strength of the Clydesdale breed but also possess the health and soundness required to excel in both the show ring and on the ranch. Whether our horses stay with us or find a new home, we are committed to ensuring they live long, healthy lives, fulfilling the diverse roles for which this iconic breed is known.
Like many breeders, we have certain family lines, conformation types, and qualities that we favor. While we acknowledge that color and white pattern are often secondary to performance in terms of a Clydesdale's ability to work or compete, they do play a role in people’s first impressions of a horse and we all have our favorites.
We’ve all heard the “wives’ tales” about certain color patterns being linked to specific traits, such as softer hair-coats or increased feather, or the notion that white markings above the hock signify superior quality in a Clyde. While these perceptions persist, we believe it’s time to move beyond traditional assumptions and introduce more science into our breeding program.
That’s why we are excited to announce our partnership with Etalon Diagnostics for genetic testing, a leader in equine genetic testing. By incorporating Etalon's comprehensive genetic panels, we gain invaluable insights into the genetic makeup of our horses. This allows us to make more informed breeding decisions, predict foal colors and white patterns, assess performance traits, and identify potential health risks—ensuring we produce the healthiest, most well-rounded Clydesdales possible.
As the Clydesdale breed remains classified as "vulnerable" due to low population numbers and a steady decline in foal registrations over recent decades, genetic diversity is rare in Clydesdales. The breed has also faced a genetic bottleneck, especially following World War II, when draft horses were displaced by industrial farming methods. With a narrow gene pool, breeders worldwide face an increased risk of passing on undesirable genetic markers that could impact the health and longevity of future generations. We firmly believe that genetic testing can help mitigate these risks and improve the overall future of the breed.
To support our Clydesdale community, Etalon Diagnostics is offering special discounts to Clydesdale Outpost followers and friends. This makes genetic testing more accessible and provides an opportunity for you to explore the potential benefits of their services for your own breeding program.
Interesting in Genetic Testing for your Animals?
Exclusive Discounts:
CO10: 10% off the Pro Package
CO20: 20% off the Pro Package + Ancestry Bundle
To learn more about Etalon Diagnostics and how their genetic testing can enhance your breeding program, please visit Etalon Diagnostics.
We look forward to continuing to work together to promote the health and sustainability of the Clydesdale breed.
We will be implementing a video series on our testing and results so be sure to follow our journey on Facebook and Instagram!
Together we can continue Creating Magic Moments with Clydesdales for generations to come,
The Clydesdale Outpost Team
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