The Budweiser Clydesdales are more than just a team of horses; they are a living, breathing symbol of Americana, elegance, and tradition. Known worldwide for their iconic appearances in commercials and parades, these majestic horses have become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. However, their journey to fame involves meticulous preparation, discipline, and attention to detail. Getting the Budweiser Clydesdales parade-ready is a multi-step process that requires dedication, time, and an understanding of what makes these horses stand out as both powerful draft animals and graceful showpieces.
The History Behind the Budweiser Clydesdales
Before we dive into the preparations, it’s important to understand the historical significance of the Budweiser Clydesdales. The famous Clydesdales first appeared in 1933, after the prohibition in the United States ended. In an effort to celebrate the return of beer sales, August A. Busch Jr., the president of Anheuser-Busch at the time, presented a team of Clydesdales to his father as a gift. The horses immediately captured the public’s imagination, becoming a symbol of strength and tradition that would forever be linked to the Budweiser brand.
Over the years, the Budweiser Clydesdales have appeared in countless advertisements, most notably in their television commercials that have aired during major events such as the Super Bowl. The team has also participated in parades, festivals, and public events across the United States, further solidifying their reputation as symbols of American pride and craftsmanship.
Selecting the Right Horses for the Parade
The first step in getting the Budweiser Clydesdales parade-ready begins long before the actual event. The horses that make up the famous Budweiser Clydesdale team are handpicked for their size, appearance, and temperament. These horses must be at least four years old and stand between 18 and 19 hands tall (around 6 feet at the shoulder). Their coats must be a striking bay color, with white markings on their faces, legs, and hooves, and they must have the signature long, flowing feathers around their lower legs. These physical characteristics are important not only for their visual impact but also for ensuring the horses fit into the historical aesthetic of the Budweiser brand.
In addition to their physical qualities, the horses are chosen for their temperament. Clydesdales are known for their calm, patient, and cooperative nature. This is crucial, especially considering that these horses are often around large crowds, loud noises, and busy environments. Each Clydesdale must be trained to remain calm and steady, even in the midst of excitement and commotion. A key aspect of getting a Clydesdale parade-ready is ensuring that the horses are comfortable in high-energy situations and can perform without getting spooked or stressed.
Grooming the Clydesdales
Once the team of Clydesdales has been selected, it’s time for one of the most important parts of getting them parade-ready: grooming. Grooming is not just about cleanliness; it’s about making these majestic creatures shine and ensuring they look their best for public appearances. The grooming process is meticulous and requires great attention to detail.
The Clydesdales undergo regular baths, which are essential to keep their coats looking sleek and glossy. Special horse shampoo is used to remove dirt, dust, and sweat, leaving the horses’ coats shiny and healthy. Bathing is typically done the day before the parade, ensuring the horses are clean without irritating their skin. After the bath, the horses are dried thoroughly, often using towels or blow dryers to prevent them from becoming chilled.
Next, the groomers focus on the horses’ manes and tails, which are among their most distinctive features. These long, flowing manes and tails are combed and braided to give them a polished, show-ready appearance. The Clydesdales’ legs, which are covered with long feathers, also require special attention. These feathers are brushed and trimmed to remove any dirt or tangles, ensuring they flow smoothly and evenly. The horses’ hooves are cleaned and polished to a high shine, completing their elegant appearance.
The final touch involves applying special oils and conditioning products to their coats, manes, and tails to enhance their natural shine. This process takes several hours and requires the efforts of a team of handlers who are experienced in working with these majestic animals.
The Harnessing Process
In addition to their grooming, another crucial step in getting the Budweiser Clydesdales parade-ready is the process of harnessing them. The Clydesdales are typically seen pulling a red, beer wagon, which is a highlight of their parades and appearances. The harnessing process is complex, as it involves attaching the horses to the large, ornate wagon.
Each horse is fitted with a harness that is custom-made to fit its body perfectly. The harnesses are made of leather and are often decorated with brass buckles, studs, and other embellishments, giving them a regal appearance. The team of handlers ensures that the harnesses are adjusted correctly, with special attention to the comfort of the horses. The straps must be tight enough to securely attach the horses to the wagon but not so tight that they cause discomfort or restrict movement.
The Budweiser Clydesdales typically work in a team of eight horses, and they are arranged in a specific order. The lead horses are the most experienced and are placed at the front of the team. They are the ones that guide the rest of the horses and ensure the team moves in harmony. The other horses follow the lead team members, with each horse playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance and strength needed to pull the heavy wagon.
Attaching the team of horses to the beer wagon requires careful coordination. Handlers must ensure that the horses are lined up properly and that the harnesses are secure before they begin the parade. It’s a delicate process that involves patience and communication between the horses and their handlers.
Training and Rehearsal
Getting the Budweiser Clydesdales parade-ready is not just about grooming and harnessing; it’s also about ensuring that the horses are well-trained and comfortable with the task at hand. The training process for these horses is ongoing and involves both groundwork and driving exercises.
Each Clydesdale in the Budweiser team must be trained to respond to the commands of the lead driver, who steers the team and keeps the horses moving in unison. The drivers use a combination of verbal cues and reins to communicate with the horses, guiding them as they pull the wagon through crowded streets and busy event venues.
Training also involves desensitizing the horses to loud noises, large crowds, and other distractions that are common during parades and public events. This is an essential part of getting the horses ready for their public appearances. The horses must learn to remain calm even when surrounded by excited onlookers, flashing cameras, and noisy environments. The training is rigorous and can take months to complete, but it ensures that the horses are well-prepared for any situation they may encounter.
In addition to the physical training, the horses also undergo regular check-ups to ensure they are in peak health. Veterinarians monitor their health, checking for any signs of stress or injury, and ensuring that the horses are physically fit to perform their duties. The horses are also given regular exercises to maintain their strength and stamina, ensuring they can pull the heavy Budweiser wagon with ease.
The Parade Day
The day of the parade is the culmination of weeks or even months of preparation. On parade day, the horses are carefully transported to the event site, often by special horse transport vehicles that ensure their safety and comfort. Upon arrival, the horses are unloaded and taken to a designated grooming area, where the final touches are made.
Once the horses are groomed and harnessed, they are lined up in their designated positions and prepared to march. The handlers and drivers take their positions, checking to ensure that everything is in order and that the horses are ready for the parade. The drivers mount their wagons, and the team of Clydesdales begins its journey down the parade route.
As the Clydesdales make their way down the streets, crowds cheer and wave, and the horses continue to move with steady grace, pulling the wagon effortlessly. The parade is a showcase of the skill and training of both the horses and their handlers, as they work in perfect harmony to create a mesmerizing display of power, precision, and beauty.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are an iconic symbol of American history and tradition, and the preparation that goes into getting them parade-ready ensures that they continue to live up to their legacy. Whether in commercials or parades, these magnificent horses remind us of the strength, beauty, and dedication required to maintain a tradition that has lasted nearly a century.
