The Budweiser Clydesdales have become one of the most recognizable and iconic symbols of American culture, renowned for their impressive stature, grace, and the historical legacy they represent. Hitching the Clydesdales—a process that involves preparing these magnificent horses for public appearances—is an intricate tradition that requires expertise, patience, and a deep understanding of both the horses’ temperaments and the history they represent.
The Legacy of the Budweiser Clydesdales
The Budweiser Clydesdales were first introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 1933 as part of a celebratory gesture to mark the end of Prohibition in the United States. The company, looking to reassert itself in the beer market after the national alcohol ban, sent out a team of eight Clydesdales hitched to a beer wagon to deliver the first cases of Budweiser to the mayor of St. Louis. The sight of these powerful horses pulling the wagon was not only a spectacle of strength and beauty but also a symbol of Anheuser-Busch’s renewed ability to craft beer and deliver it to the public once again. This image quickly became synonymous with the brand, and the Clydesdales were adopted as the official mascot of Budweiser.
The Clydesdales are a breed of draft horse originally from Scotland, known for their large size, muscular build, and gentle nature. Their distinct appearance—deep bay coats, white stockings, and white facial markings—along with their majestic movement, makes them well-suited to their role as both a symbol of strength and elegance. The horses became integral to Budweiser’s advertising, featured prominently in TV commercials, parades, and special events.
Preparing the Clydesdales: The Process of Hitching
The process of hitching the Budweiser Clydesdales is a ceremonial procedure that demands significant attention to detail. It involves more than just physically attaching the horses to the iconic beer wagon; it is about creating an experience that honors the tradition, showcases the skill of the team handling the horses, and respects the natural instincts of these gentle giants.
- Grooming the Clydesdales
Before the hitching process begins, the Clydesdales are meticulously groomed. This is essential not only for their appearance but also to ensure that their coats, manes, and tails are clean and free from tangles or debris. The grooming ritual can take hours as the horses are brushed, bathed, and polished. Their hooves are carefully examined and cleaned, as the health of their feet is paramount to their ability to perform during events. Grooming also serves as a bonding experience between the horses and their handlers, fostering trust and respect.
- Harnessing the Horses
Once the grooming process is complete, the Clydesdales are led to the hitching area, where their harnesses are carefully prepared and fitted. The harnesses are specifically designed to distribute the weight of the wagon evenly across the horse’s body, ensuring comfort and efficiency during the pulling. Each horse is equipped with a specially tailored harness that includes a breastcollar, reins, and a variety of straps and fittings that attach to the wagon. The size and strength of the Clydesdales make them ideal for pulling heavy loads, and the design of the harnesses ensures they are able to do so without undue strain or discomfort.
Fitting the harness is a time-consuming process, as each individual horse must be assessed for the proper fit. Handlers are careful to adjust the straps so that they are snug but not too tight, allowing for free movement of the horse’s muscles and joints. The entire process requires a great deal of skill, and the handlers’ experience plays a crucial role in ensuring the horses are comfortable and safe.
- Attaching the Wagon
After the harnesses are in place, the next step is to attach the Clydesdales to the Budweiser wagon. The Budweiser wagon is a historic piece of equipment, intricately designed with polished wood, brass, and metal details. It is typically pulled by a team of eight horses, although sometimes a smaller team may be used for specific events. The wagon is heavy, and the hitching process requires a great deal of precision and care to ensure that the horses are correctly aligned and that the harnesses are securely fastened to the wagon.
The handler responsible for the hitching must ensure that each horse is properly positioned in relation to the others to maintain balance. The horses are often hitched in a specific order, with the lead horses placed at the front, followed by the other horses in a carefully planned arrangement. The placement of each horse is essential for the overall effectiveness of the team, as the team’s cohesion is key to pulling the heavy wagon smoothly.
- Final Checks and Alignment
Before the horses are ready to pull the wagon, final checks are made to ensure that the horses’ harnesses are properly secured and that the wagon is balanced. Handlers walk alongside the horses to ensure they are calm and relaxed, as any sign of discomfort or agitation can disrupt the hitching process. The horses are then gently led in a straight line, their muscles working in unison, and they begin to pull the heavy wagon with impressive strength and coordination.
- The Parade of Power and Elegance
Once the horses are hitched, the team of Clydesdales parades in front of an audience, often at major events such as parades, sports games, and advertisements. This is the culmination of a long and careful process, and the Clydesdales’ majestic movements never fail to leave an impression. The sight of these horses, gliding gracefully through streets or arenas, draws attention from spectators, and the ritual of hitching is often viewed as a spectacle of both beauty and power. The handlers continue to guide the horses, ensuring their well-being and safety throughout the event.
Conclusion: The Enduring Tradition
Hitching the Budweiser Clydesdales is more than just a technical process; it is a celebration of history, tradition, and the bond between horses and humans. From grooming to harnessing, each step is done with care, ensuring that the horses are treated with the utmost respect. As symbols of the Budweiser brand, the Clydesdales continue to evoke feelings of nostalgia, pride, and awe. Their enduring legacy is a testament to the lasting connection between man and animal, and the power of tradition to captivate the imagination.
