Clydesdales are among the biggest horses in the world. When they are fully grown, their height is 160–180 cm. The only horses that are bigger are Shire Horses and Brabanters.

Clydesdales grow more slowly than other horse breeds. The foals aren’t fully grown until the age of seven or eight, instead of four or five. They then weigh over 1,000 kg – as much as a small car. They are so strong that they can pull objects that are much heavier than themselves. This also means they need a lot of food and water. Every day, they need 20–25 kg of grain with minerals and vitamins, and around 50–60 kg hay. Needless to say, this makes them thirsty – very thirsty, in fact. Clydesdales drink over 100 litres of water per day.