Where are the Budweiser Clydesdales Today Near Me?

Unfortunately, providing a precise, real-time answer to “Where are the Budweiser Clydesdales today near me?” is tricky because their location is constantly changing due to their rigorous travel schedule for events and appearances. The best way to find out when and where the Clydesdales will be near you is to regularly check the official Budweiser Clydesdales website or follow Anheuser-Busch’s official social media channels. These sources provide the most up-to-date information on scheduled appearances, parades, and brewery tours where you might catch a glimpse of these magnificent horses.

Finding the Clydesdales: Your Best Bets

While a precise, location-based answer is fleeting, let’s explore the primary avenues to track these majestic creatures down. Think of it as becoming a Clydesdale detective!

The Official Budweiser Clydesdales Website

This is your primary resource. Anheuser-Busch maintains a website dedicated to the Clydesdales, which includes:

• Appearance Schedule: This section (when available) lists upcoming events where the teams will be making an appearance. Look for city, state, and even specific venue information.
• Brewery Tour Information: The breweries that house the Clydesdales (more on that later) often feature them on their tours. Check the brewery’s website or call to inquire.

Anheuser-Busch Social Media

Follow Anheuser-Busch’s official social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X) for announcements, event updates, and sometimes even real-time location snippets. These platforms are excellent for capturing spontaneous appearances or last-minute schedule changes.

Local Event Listings and News

Keep an eye on local event listings and news websites in your area. If the Clydesdales are scheduled to appear at a parade, festival, or other public event, it will likely be advertised locally.

Visiting the Clydesdale Homes

While the Clydesdales travel extensively, they also have “homes” at specific Anheuser-Busch facilities. These locations offer the most consistent opportunities to see them. The most well-known are:

• St. Louis, Missouri: The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is a historic landmark and the “birthplace” of the Clydesdales. While the traveling teams are often on the road, the St. Louis brewery usually has a team or two residing there. Brewery tours provide excellent viewing opportunities.
• Merrimack, New Hampshire: The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Merrimack also houses a team of Clydesdales and offers tours.
• Warm Springs Ranch, Boonville, Missouri: This is the dedicated breeding and training facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. Public tours are available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the care and training of these incredible animals. Advance booking is highly recommended.

The Allure of the Budweiser Clydesdales

The Budweiser Clydesdales are more than just horses; they are symbols of American tradition, strength, and quality. Their history dates back to 1933, when they were presented to August A. Busch, Jr. by his son to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Their stunning appearance, powerful build, and meticulously crafted harnesses have captivated audiences for decades. They represent Budweiser’s commitment to excellence and tradition, making their appearances highly anticipated events.

Understanding Their Travel

The Clydesdales travel in specially designed tractor-trailers, often accompanied by a Dalmatian (the team’s mascot). Each team requires a dedicated team of handlers and caretakers to ensure their well-being and safety on the road. Given the complexity of their travel arrangements, spontaneity is rare. Their appearances are meticulously planned and scheduled well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with more in-depth knowledge about the Budweiser Clydesdales:

1. What makes a horse a Budweiser Clydesdale?

To qualify as a Budweiser Clydesdale, a horse must meet stringent requirements: They must be at least three years old, stand at least 18 hands high (six feet) at the shoulder, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, be bay in color, have four white legs, and a white blaze. They also need to have a gentle temperament and a well-proportioned build.

2. How are the Clydesdales trained?

The training of a Budweiser Clydesdale begins at a young age. They are trained using gentle, patient methods to ensure their well-being and develop their skills. They are trained to pull the iconic beer wagon and to respond to verbal commands.

3. How many Clydesdales are there?

Anheuser-Busch owns approximately 250 Clydesdales, but only select teams are chosen for appearances and parades. These are the “elite” representatives of the breed.

4. Why do the Clydesdales travel with a Dalmatian?

The tradition of pairing Dalmatians with the Clydesdales dates back to the breed’s use as carriage dogs. Dalmatians are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to guard horses and carriages. They also provide companionship for the Clydesdales during their travels.

5. What do the Clydesdales eat?

The Clydesdales have a specialized diet consisting of high-quality hay, grains, and a variety of supplements to ensure they maintain their impressive size and health. They consume a significant amount of food each day.

6. How much does it cost to maintain the Clydesdales?

Maintaining the Clydesdales is a significant investment. The cost of feeding, housing, training, and transporting these magnificent horses is substantial. This reflects Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care.

7. Can I ride a Budweiser Clydesdale?

While they are powerful and majestic, the Budweiser Clydesdales are not ridden. Their primary role is to pull the beer wagon and serve as ambassadors for the Budweiser brand.

8. What is Warm Springs Ranch?

Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, is the official breeding facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. It’s a state-of-the-art facility where foals are born and raised. Public tours are available, allowing visitors to see the foals and learn about the Clydesdale breeding program.

9. How many horses pull the Budweiser wagon?

A team of eight Clydesdales typically pulls the Budweiser beer wagon. This number is carefully chosen to ensure both the visual spectacle and the practical requirements of pulling the heavy wagon.

10. Are the Clydesdales ever retired?

Yes, Clydesdales are retired from active duty as they age. They are often placed in peaceful pastures where they can live out their days comfortably. Anheuser-Busch remains committed to their well-being throughout their lives.

11. What is the significance of the hitch drivers’ uniform?

The hitch drivers’ uniform is a meticulously crafted and historically accurate representation of the attire worn by beer delivery drivers in the early 20th century. It adds to the authenticity and tradition of the Clydesdale performances.

12. What is the best time of year to see the Clydesdales?

The best time of year to see the Clydesdales depends on their appearance schedule. Major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas often feature Clydesdale appearances. Brewery tours are available year-round, providing a consistent opportunity to see them. Checking the official website and social media channels is always the best approach.