A Clydesdale’s Christmas Routine
So, just what does a JFP Equine Clydesdale do on Christmas?
Honestly?
It's not all that different than most other days.
But that’s kind of the point.
The horses don’t wake up wondering what day it is.
They’re still thinking about breakfast, hay, turnout, and whether someone remembered their favorite scratching spot.
Routine matters to horses—especially big ones—and Christmas morning still starts the same way it always does in the barn.
That said … we do turn the dial up just a little.
A Little Holiday Flavor
Yes, there’s Christmas music in the barn. You better believe it. And loud enough to be unmistakable.
(Whether that’s for the horses or for us is up for debate—but it’s on, and it stays on.)
There are treats, of course. Nothing wild. Nothing that messes with routine. Just a little extra something to let them know it’s a special day (even if they don’t fully understand why).
There are also more scratches than usual. Longer pauses. Extra moments spent standing next to a shoulder, a neck, a giant head that’s leaned in just enough to say don’t stop yet.
These quiet moments are the real gift.
Appreciating What They Give
Christmas is a good excuse to slow down and appreciate these big boys for what they bring—not just to us, but to everyone who walks through our JFP Equine barn doors throughout the year.
Visitors come for our Ultimate Clydesdale Experience expecting size, power, and spectacle. What they often leave talking about is calm. Connection. Presence.
The horses give that every day. Christmas just reminds us to say thank you.
The “Gift”
There’s usually a gift on Christmas, but it’s almost always for the barn as a whole.
This year, it’s new electric heaters—something that’ll help out a little bit during those cold January and February mornings.
The horses probably won’t care much either way. They don't mind the cooler temps. The humans though? Very appreciative.
Any upgrade that makes the barn a better place to work, care, and spend time is a win across the board.
A Tradition We Keep Every Year
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is heading out to the barn as a family to 'check on the horses' on Christmas Eve.
Strategically, it gives Santa a clear window to get into the house and fill the stockings.
We seem to time it right every year. We’re good like that.
Christmas, JFP Equine Style
No big production. No forced moments. Just good care, familiar routines, a little music, a few extra scratches, and a whole lot of appreciation.
From our barn to yours, we hope your Christmas has a bit of that same feeling—steady, warm, and quietly meaningful.
And if you ever find yourself wishing things would slow down just a notch ... the horses already know how to do that.
From all of us at JFP Equine, Merry Christmas! 🎄