Newly appointed society president, Jim Greenhill

Here, he related to The Scottish Farmer about his most abiding memories and what he looks for in his perfect Clydesdale.

What’s your background?

I was born and brought up at the family farm, Upper Tulloes, based in Letham, Forfar, where I’ve resided my whole life. I’m third generation here following in the footsteps of my father, Ally, and my grandfather. I work alongside my brother Alastair and nephew, Tom.

At the farm we run a small flock of 85 Suffolk cross ewes which are put to a Texel tup, as well as buying in cattle to be fattened. However, the main enterprise at Upper Tulloes is the arable and potato side of the farm, where we grow oilseed rape, wheat, barley and also have some permanent pasture.

Upper Tulloes is also home to my family, namely my wife Joanne and three daughters – Jennifer, Louise and Claire.

What got you into breeding Clydesdale horses?

Clydesdales have been at Upper Tulloes since my grandfather bought the farm. I’ve always had a soft spot for the breed, which has developed into a passion. I have half a dozen females here at the farm and, at the moment, I’m breeding within own lines ¬- keeping a few females with any surplus being sold on to other studs.

What qualities do you like about the breeds that you work with?

When you see a Clydesdale come into the ring, its presence is unlike anything else. Movement is a big thing in the breed and is something that I find so eye-catching when watching the horses at a show.

What do you look for in a beast?

A quality Clydesdale should have good hair and strong flat bones. I’m always looking for something with a bit of power and size, and I’m of the opinion that a stallion should always be 17.2 plus hands – you want them 18 hands in order to keep the breed strong and powerful. I also look for a horse with reasonably sized feet, which has always been an important aspect of the breed following their working history.

What was your first big breed show?

It would be all the local shows I went to as a youngster, and still attend to this day.

Which was the best animal that you’ve ever bred?

It has to be Tulloes April Flower. She was a big powerful female and just was what you looked for in the breed. She was the type of horse I would look for myself whilst judging.

But what was the best animal that you’ve ever seen?

We bought Craighead Queen of Scots, in 1989 and won the RHS in 1991 with her so I’ll stick with her. She was hard to beat as she was very feminine and just stood out.

Best animal you’ve been out-bidded on or lost?

We went through a bad time with grass sickness between 1985 and 2000, and the losses we encountered will be near double figures. Since then we’ve been quite fortunate, however, the issue still remains a sore topic within the horse world and there’s still no solution to it.

You’re most abiding memory?

It was probably Craighead Queen of Scots having her first foal, in 1989, in the form of Tulloes April Flower. We stayed up night after night waiting on her giving birth.

Most influential person in your career?

My dad, Ally. He was my first port of call when it came to getting advice and he was a true businessman.

Another would be Quintin McMorland, from Girvan. He taught me more about the Clydesdale horses than anyone and it was him that we purchased Craighead Queen of Scots from.

What’s been your favourite sale over the years and why?

It has to be the Royal Highland Show as it’s a great meeting point for all breeders. A lot of the older generation attended the Highland Show and I learnt a lot from them, but that generation isn’t here anymore, so it’s our job to try and pass on our knowledge to those coming behind us.

Your choice of best breeder ever?

Scotland is still the home of the Clydesdale horse and there is a lot of good breeders at the moment, all of whom are always trying to produce their best which is great to see.

There’s a lot of good breeding potential with Clydesdale exhibitors and the gene pool in the Clydesdale world has expanded, with breeders now in a better position than we were some 20 years ago.

Biggest achievement?

Definitely winning the Royal Highland Show in 1991 with Craighead Queen of Scots, as well as winning the Stallion Show the same year with her daughter, Tulloes April Flower.

Another personal achievement would be getting asked to judge the Clydesdale female section at 2011 Highland Show, at which point I was still reasonably young. It is probably my biggest accolade in the Clydesdale world and the biggest honour I’ve had in my judging career. I’m now president of the society and I’m proud to be able to represent the breed.

A piece of advice you would give to someone wanting to get into the breed?

Have patience! Owning a Clydesdale is like having an extended family member, so you’ve got to want to keep them as they are an expensive hobby but a worthwhile one at that.

Any hobbies or interests out with farming?

I used to compete in a lot of ploughing matches, but I’ve taken a back step now. I also enjoy watching sports too.

If you could’ve gone into any other breed what would it have been and why?

I don’t think there’s anything that compares to the Clydesdale but it’s all about what your brought up with. There’s no other breed for me!

What’s the future of the breed in your opinion?

Clydesdales have got the ridden aspect now which has been a big boost to the breed and another outlet for breeders to sell animals on for. It’s something that has caught on well within the breed and when you see them being ridden at the Highland Show, it’s quite a spectacle.

In my opinion, the future of the Clydesdale is looking positive. There are a lot of young breeders coming through and with more options in regards to different bloodlines than there was 20 years ago, it guarantees a strong future for the breed.