Our History:

Mt. Baker Clydesdales began with a dream that Bob Hamstra had to someday have a hitch like Budweiser. He began with four black shires.  Then with the help of friends and family Bob took 3 Clydesdale in 1981 to Eugene, Oregon where he combined with 3  borrowed horses to hitch a 6.
After gradually purchasing more horses, Bob was finally able to put together his own hitch, and purchase a show wagon.  Now over 25 years later we own more then 16 horses and 1 stallion.  Our farm is family owned and operated. We spend our summers foaling, training, and showing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How long does it take to get them ready to show? 
2. Where can I find a Clydesdale, and how much do they cost?
3. How many fairs do you do each year?
4. How much do they eat?
5. How old are they when they are first broke to drive?
6. Why are their tails docked?

How long does it take to get them ready to show?

Normally we begin to prepare about 2 hours before show time. It takes approximately 15 minutes to braid the mane and tail.  Harnessing can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes depending on how many horses we need to get ready.  Once they are all braided and harnessed, they will need to be hooked to the wagon.  This can take up to 30 minutes to do.  Each horse has its own place and all the lines must be thoroughly check to make sure they are strung properly. 

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Where can I find a Clydesdale and how much do they cost?

You can find Clydesdales for sale on almost any web site that sells horses, as well as occasionally in newspapers. It is best however to buy one from a reputable breeder.  Preferably one that is able to let you spend some time with the horse to make sure you are a match. A beginner is best to start out with an older horse that has lots of experience and is very tolerant.  A well bred registered Clydesdale will cost anywhere from $3000 -$5000 or more depending on bloodlines, conformation, temperament, and training experience.

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How many shows do you do each year?  

At this time we are only doing 3 fairs.  The Agri-fair in Abbotsford, BC, the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, WA, and the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe, WA.  All three of these fairs take place during the month of August

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How much do they eat?

For most of the year they are out on pasture, so they do not require any extra feed.  During the winter months when the grass is no longer growing, they are supplemented with grass hay.  Each horse will consume about 45-50 lbs of hay or the equivalent of one bale.  During our show season they are fed a mixture of beet pulp, rice bran and oats.  They are generally easy keepers and do not require a lot of extra care. 

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How old are they when they are first broke to drive?

Most horses are ready to begin training between ages 2 & 3. They are generally broke along side an older more experienced horse.  This will help build the youngsters confidence.  Training takes several months, and soon the young horse is ready to join the hitch. Most of the time they are not used at shows until they are 3 or 4 years old.

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Why are their tails docked?

This is done strictly for safety reasons.  When multiple horses are hooked one in front of the other, there could be a serious accident if the reins (lines) of the back horse were to become caught under the tail of the horse in front.  This could cause the horse to spook, and limit the drivers control and possibly result in a wreck.  The other reason is so that they do not swat the face of the horse behind them.

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Mt Baker Clydesdales
Revised: January 16, 2012 .