Nothing beats the Budweiser Clydesdale.
The powerful draft breed has become a brand image for the beer company over the years. But it did not start with the Super Bowl commercials; Budweiser functionally used Clydesdale horses to transport products in the ’30s. In April 1933, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III began the tradition of Clydesdales when they surprised his father with a six-horse-drawn beer wagon to celebrate the end of prohibition against beer.
The surprise went over very well with the Busch family, realizing there was a huge business opportunity with the strong yet gentle image of these giants pulling a Budweiser wagon.
“Realizing the marketing potential of a horse-drawn beer wagon, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York to mark the event. The Clydesdales drew a crowd of thousands on their way to the Empire State Building.
After a small ceremony, a case of Budweiser was presented to former Governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation of his years of service in the fight against Prohibition.”
Since then, the Budweiser Clydesdales have become a staple of the brand and are beloved by beer and non-beer drinkers alike. The famed horses have also become a staple of the Super Bowl, with their commercials being a loved tradition.
While it takes a lot of good breeding practice to get Clydesdales with the thick white stripe down their noes and the distinct four white socks, Budweiser’s breeding partner, Warm Springs Ranch, has gotten it down to a science. And boy, do these horses live the life as soon as they hit the ground.
As a horse owner myself, I always say I’d want to come back in a second life as my XXL dog because of how spoiled he is. But in truth, I’d come back as a Budweiser Clydesdale.
According to their website, it takes a lot to make all of their appearances happen, and it takes an expert team to make all these pieces move like a well-oiled machine.
“To properly prepare the Clydesdales for their appearances, a team of dedicated handlers oversees their care. Expert groomers travel on the road with the hitch at least 10 months out of the year. Another team oversees their diet; each hitch horse will consume as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay, and up to 30 gallons of water on a warm day.”
Big animals mean big diets.
While it’s incredible to see the horses pulling the heavy carts, their lives start long before this moment at Warm Springs Ranch, and the farm is giving Budweiser fans the best preview of the next generation of famed Clydesdales. Shared on Facebook an image of foals (who appear to be weaned, so I’d assume they are yearlings or very close to being yearlings) lined up shoulder to shoulder inside the barn.
Already standing at impressive statures with their red halters on, they captioned the image:
“The next generation of Super Bowl stars.”
These young horses are STUNNING, to say the least.
Beer drinkers quickly filled up the comments section with words of praise.
“Love the Clydesdales, especially the foals and the gentle giants!”
“Can’t wait to see them all grown up.”
“All three are precious and so adorably cute! I love The Budweiser Clydesdales!”
“I can’t get enough of watching them.”
“They are all so cute and adorable.”
“I love these gentle giants. I have seen these magnificent horses many times in person.”
“Never seen colts thank you!!! Totally beautiful!!”
“Great future stars.”
“So gorgeous and adorable at the same time!”
“There will always be these magnificent animals in the world! God outdid himself when he created the Clydesdales! Shine on.”
“Love Clydesdale horses. So breathtaking. Love to have them. Love to work with them.”
“OMG STOP IT.”
I’d say Budweiser was spot-on with this post… these future Super Bowl stars are quite the group of lookers.
The post America Is In Love With Budweiser’s New Clydesdale Foals: “The Next Generation Of Super Bowl Stars” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.