The Budweiser Clydesdales visit from time to time at breweries around the country. This week I had the opportunity to see them in Fairfield, CA. We’ve probably all seen them on commercials. I know I can’t wait to see the new ones each year during the Super Bowl…in fact these are often the most awaited commercials.
On screen they are beautiful. Up close, they are magnificent. Their handlers were eager to give us facts and the horses were patient while we petted them and took their photos. Did you know that to qualify as one of the traveling horses in the hitch they must be at least four years old, a gelding, 72 inches at the shoulder when mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, white blaze, and black mane and tail?
And, those furry feet…all with special horseshoes. The shoes weigh about five pounds each and are about 20 inches from end to end. Big shoes…for big feet.
Located in stables in three places around the US, they travel and perform in events about 250 days a year. How do they get to those places? In comfort, in three 50 foot semis with air suspension and cushioned floors. Cameras are mounted inside so the drivers can see what the horses are doing and each night they stop at stables so the horses can rest.
If you ever have the chance to visit them…go for it. Each one is stunning and can be a bit of a prankster…as they try to grab the handler’s jacket or whatever else is handy.