Budweiser Clydesdales Nothing less than majestic. Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing up to 2,200 pounds, these gentle giants have been a part of American culture for over 90 years.
Chris Wiegert, a Clydesdale handler who cares and trains the horses at Warm Springs Ranch, said, “Who wouldn't be happy to sit next to these guys? … Exactly what they represent to everybody. And they're so timeless.” ” In Missouri.
Clydesdale horses date back to the 1930s when they were first gifted to August Busch Sr. — then-owner and CEO of beer maker Anheuser-Busch — to celebrate the end of Prohibition, Wiegert explained.
Now, the horses are iconic to the makers of Budweiser beer and have participated in over 40 parades. Super Bowl ad.
“We're part of a lot of things in American culture and we're proud to be a part of it,” Wiegert said.
The training process to become one of the famous horses is long, and each horse begins by learning to pull a wagon before hitting the road.
Warm Springs Ranch manager Amy Trout, who oversees breeding and training, said the foals start out big.
“When they land on the ground they weigh like 150 pounds.” The horses are selected based on good temperament and enthusiastic demeanor, Trout said, adding “a little extra excitement” that shows up on the parade routes.
Some of the events the Clydesdales participate in are those organized by Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled military service members and first responders. They have been partners for over 14 years.
“You can't bring your loved ones back, but you can honor their sacrifice,” said Marine veteran and Folds of Honor spokesman Rocky Sickman.
Sickman was one of 65 Americans arrested during 1979 Iran hostage crisisHe said the eight military service members who died in the rescue operation that freed them have been the fuel for the support of other military families.
He said, “My parents taught me three things: love of family, love of faith and love of country. I never forgot those things.” “Anheuser-Busch and the world-renowned Clydesdales have been incredible partners. They are like living legends that people have experienced for generations.”
The Clydesdales' role as patriotic symbols resonates with the public and those who work with horses.
“When we put that harness on, they really get excited to go to work,” Wiegert said. “They feed the crowd.”
He added, “They are living legends. Everyone recognizes them and it's an honor.”
