Budweiser Clydesdales

Before heading home from Sturgis Falls, we decided to make a quick stop at the Budweiser tent to get a closer look at the Clydesdales.  As I said before, they are truly magnificent animals & we couldn't resist this amazing opportunity to see them.

After our visit, I took to the Internet to learn a little more about these "Gentle Giants".  According to Anheuser-Busch.com, these American icons made their 1st appearance on April 7, 1933.  In order to qualify for one of the traveling hitch teams, a Clydesdale must be a gelding that is a least 4 years old. It must stand at least 72 inches at the shoulder when it's fully mature, weigh between 1,800-2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, a white stripe (or blaze) down the middle of the horse's face, and a black mane & tail.  (WOW!)

While Miss B was completely ecstatic to see the horses, L was a little put off by the smell... which wasn't really THAT bad.  We got to greet "King", "Jack", "Levi", "Lucky", and of course "Clyde" the Dalmatian.

It was interesting and impressive to learn that the horses travel in style and are very well cared for!

Not just anyone can hold the title "Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver".  You have to be able to handle the combined total weight of the wagons and horses which equal a resounding 12 tons! There are 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling creates weighing over 75 pounds.  That's quite a work out!!  Never the less, Honey thought he would pass the test.  :)

Not only do the horses ride in style, but they dress quite well too.  Each harness is handcrafted with solid brass, patent leather and stitched with pure linen thread.  They are absolutely gorgeous!  

I visited the official stables in St. Louis in my youth, which is quite impressive in and of itself.  Since there are unfortunately no plans to visit there in the near future, it was great to get a glimpse of the Clydesdales in our neck of the woods.

Needless to say, this little adventure did nothing to squash Miss B's desire to own a horse.  She keeps trying to tell us that there is plenty of room to care for them in our backyard.  Hmm... not quite.  So sorry my dear.  :)