The Budweiser Clydesdales, with their towering stature and undeniable elegance, have become synonymous with the iconic American brand. These majestic horses represent more than just a symbol of quality beer—they embody strength, grace, and tradition. Their role goes beyond just pulling wagons in parades or appearing in commercials. Each day is meticulously planned to maintain their well-being, performance, and the legacy they carry. But what does a typical day in the life of these famed steeds really look like?
Morning Routine: The Start of a Majestic Day
The day begins early at the Clydesdales’ stable, located at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, or one of the other training locations across the country. The horses are typically housed in well-kept barns, where each stall is spacious, clean, and tailored to ensure the horses are as comfortable as possible.
Before the sun even rises, the stable hands arrive to begin their daily duties. The first task is ensuring that each of the Clydesdales is accounted for. They are fed and given fresh water to start their day. The early morning hours are vital for the horses, as it’s when they are given the highest quality grains, hay, and vitamins to ensure they have the energy and nutrients needed for their demanding schedule.
Once the horses are fed, they are brushed, groomed, and their hooves are cleaned. Grooming the Clydesdales is an important ritual, as these horses’ coats are a part of their splendor. With their distinctive bay coat and white markings on their faces, legs, and underbellies, the Clydesdales are a sight to behold. The grooming process includes brushing to maintain a glossy, clean coat and also helps to form a bond between the horses and their handlers. This is often a moment where the bond between horse and trainer is solidified, as these animals are not just tools for show—they are deeply loved and cared for.
Training: Building Strength and Stamina
After their morning grooming, the Clydesdales are ready for their training sessions. These sessions take place daily, even if there’s no parade or show to prepare for. The horses are bred for strength, stamina, and coordination, and daily training helps maintain their peak condition. They are worked in pairs or teams, mimicking the way they will be positioned when they are pulling the famous Budweiser wagon or performing at events.
Training involves walking, trotting, and even light pulling exercises. The handlers, often experts in equine training, work with each horse to ensure that they understand and respond to commands. This includes teaching the Clydesdales to stand still while the wagon is hitched, to move in synchrony with their teammates, and to respond to specific cues. The horses are also accustomed to loud noises, crowds, and the flashing lights of cameras during training sessions, as these are all part of their work.
One of the most important aspects of their training is teaching them how to be calm in chaotic situations. Whether it’s the crowds at parades, the sounds of fireworks during special events, or the noise of a busy city street, the Budweiser Clydesdales are expected to remain poised and composed. This level of training takes time, and the horses spend a significant amount of their day getting accustomed to various scenarios.
Midday Rest: Recharge for the Day Ahead
By midday, the Clydesdales have worked hard and earned their rest. The horses are given time to relax in their stalls, away from the hustle and bustle of the training yard. This is when they are typically left to enjoy some quiet time, where they can eat, rest, and stretch their legs.
During this break, their handlers check in on them periodically, ensuring they are comfortable. The horses often rest with their heads lowered and eyes closed, taking the time to recuperate. While they rest, their trainers make sure that their stables are clean and that their surroundings are comfortable. Fresh bedding is laid down, and the temperature in their stalls is regulated to ensure that the horses remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Though the Clydesdales have a relatively easy mid-day, it is not without its upkeep. Each horse requires constant attention and care. Groomsmen often stop by to give the horses additional love, check their legs for any injuries, and make sure they’re hydrated.
Afternoon: Showtime Preparation
In the afternoon, if there’s an event on the schedule, the horses will get ready for their big performance. A variety of occasions calls for the famous Clydesdales, from parades and sporting events to corporate functions and special appearances.
Preparing for a public appearance involves more grooming, as the horses must be spotless. Their hooves are polished, and their coats are brushed until they shine. The famous Budweiser wagon, often pulled by a team of eight or more horses, is prepared as well. Each horse is harnessed to the wagon with a great deal of precision. The harnessing process involves careful checking of straps, buckles, and reins to ensure the safety and comfort of the horses.
If the Clydesdales are scheduled to perform in a parade or public appearance, they typically travel in specially designed trailers to their destination. The horses are transported in style, with ample space to relax during the trip.
Before they arrive, the horses are often walked in an enclosed area to stretch their legs and get accustomed to the location’s sounds and smells. The handlers lead them calmly through crowds, ensuring that the horses stay focused and relaxed. This is especially important when the Clydesdales perform in new or unfamiliar locations.
Evening: Winding Down After a Busy Day
After the day’s event or training session is complete, the Clydesdales return to their stables, where they are unharnessed and allowed to relax. Their evening routine mirrors that of the morning: grooming, feeding, and rest. After the evening meal, they are given time to relax, often in the form of light walking or stretching, as they recover from their physical exertion.
The handlers spend time with the horses, sometimes speaking to them gently, reinforcing the trust they’ve built over the course of the day. The Clydesdales are known to be gentle giants, and it’s no surprise that many of the handlers develop close relationships with their charges. After a long, demanding day, the horses are settled in their stalls with clean bedding and fresh water. They often sleep standing up, though some will lie down to rest their legs after a long day of work.
Year-Round Care and Attention
Though this schedule may vary depending on the season or upcoming events, the daily care of the Budweiser Clydesdales is a year-round commitment. The Clydesdales typically work for a few hours each day, but they also need plenty of downtime to recharge. Their handlers are dedicated to their health and comfort, ensuring that these remarkable horses remain in excellent condition year after year.
Their diet is closely monitored to ensure they maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. Regular veterinary check-ups are a part of their routine to ensure that they are free from any injuries or ailments. Their hooves are regularly trimmed and checked for any issues, as their health depends on maintaining the integrity of their legs and feet.
In the winter months, the Clydesdales may have fewer public appearances, but they continue to train and stay active. They are kept in good spirits through daily interactions and activities. Even when they are not participating in a grand event, the Clydesdales are an integral part of the Anheuser-Busch tradition.
The Enduring Legacy of the Clydesdales
The life of the Budweiser Clydesdales is not just about showmanship; it’s about the history, the tradition, and the bond between animal and human. These horses are the face of one of the most recognizable brands in the world, but their story goes much deeper than advertising.
Their day is structured to ensure they remain healthy, happy, and ready to carry on the legacy of the Budweiser brand. From their morning grooming to their afternoon performances, the life of a Budweiser Clydesdale is a mixture of hard work, love, and respect for these incredible animals. The Clydesdales’ lives are a testament to their strength, beauty, and the unwavering connection they share with the people who care for them. Every day they live up to the legacy they represent, proving that they are more than just horses—they are living icons of tradition, pride, and excellence.
This gives an extensive look at the life of the Budweiser Clydesdales, highlighting their daily routines, care, and the important role they play. Would you like to add any more specific details or personal anecdotes to enhance the story?
