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Where are the Gentle Giants Kept? Unveiling the Home of the Budweiser Clydesdales

The majestic Budweiser Clydesdales, those iconic symbols of tradition and quality, are not just seen during Super Bowl commercials or special parades. They call several places “home,” with the primary location being the sprawling 300-acre farm at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. This is their central hub, but they also reside at the Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, a dedicated breeding facility, and rotate among regional teams strategically stationed across the United States. This distribution allows them to participate in events throughout the year, bringing the Budweiser brand to life for millions.

A Look Inside Their Luxurious Stables

Let’s delve deeper into the environments where these magnificent horses reside. It’s not just about a roof over their heads; it’s about providing them with the best possible care and environment befitting their status.

St. Louis: The Historic Heart of the Team

The stables in St. Louis are not merely functional; they’re historical landmarks. These ornate brick and wood structures have housed Clydesdales for generations. They are designed with the horse’s comfort in mind. The stables feature:

Spacious stalls: Each horse enjoys a stall far larger than the average horse stall, allowing them plenty of room to move and rest comfortably.
Climate control: Essential for the varied Missouri weather, the stables are temperature-controlled to provide a comfortable environment year-round.
State-of-the-art care facilities: From grooming areas to veterinary examination spaces, the stables are equipped to provide comprehensive care.
Open pastures: Beyond the stables, the Clydesdales have access to lush pastures where they can graze and socialize.

Warm Springs Ranch: The Future is Bred Here

Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, is a different kind of home – a breeding facility dedicated to ensuring the continuation of the Budweiser Clydesdale line. It’s where future generations are nurtured from birth. Key aspects of Warm Springs Ranch include:

A dedicated foaling barn: Equipped with advanced monitoring systems and designed for the comfort of both mare and foal.
Pastures designed for growth: Young Clydesdales have acres of specifically managed pastures to encourage healthy development.
Expert breeding programs: Using carefully selected bloodlines to maintain the breed’s standards for size, conformation, and temperament.
Visitor facilities: Warm Springs Ranch is open to the public, allowing visitors to witness the Clydesdale breeding process and learn about their care.

Regional Teams: Ambassadors on the Road

The regional teams are strategically located to facilitate appearances at events across the country. While the specific stables for these teams may vary, they all adhere to the same high standards of care. These temporary homes always include:

Comfortable transportation: The Clydesdales travel in specially designed, climate-controlled trailers to ensure their comfort and safety.
Experienced handlers: Teams of handlers travel with the horses, providing continuous care and attention.
Temporary stabling: When not at a permanent facility, the Clydesdales are housed in temporary stables that meet the same high standards as their home bases.

The Daily Life of a Budweiser Clydesdale

It’s not all parades and television commercials. The daily life of a Budweiser Clydesdale involves meticulous care and training to maintain their health, appearance, and performance readiness.

Diet and Exercise: Maintaining Peak Condition

Their diet consists of high-quality hay, grains, and supplements designed to meet their specific nutritional needs. They receive regular exercise, including:

Pasture time: Allowing them to graze and move freely.
Training sessions: Focusing on building strength, stamina, and obedience.
Grooming: A daily ritual to maintain their coat and overall health.

Care and Attention: The Human Connection

Beyond the physical aspects, the Clydesdales receive constant attention and affection from their handlers. This close bond is crucial for their well-being and performance. This includes:

Regular veterinary checkups: Ensuring their health is always a priority.
Individualized care: Tailoring their care to their specific needs and personality.
Mental stimulation: Preventing boredom and promoting mental well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about the Budweiser Clydesdales, providing more insight into their lives and legacy.

How many Budweiser Clydesdales are there? Currently, there are approximately 160 Budweiser Clydesdales in total, with around 30-40 being actively used in traveling hitches.
How much does a Budweiser Clydesdale weigh? A full-grown Budweiser Clydesdale typically weighs between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.
What are the requirements to become a Budweiser Clydesdale? To qualify, a Clydesdale must be a gelding (castrated male), stand at least 18 hands high (6 feet) at the shoulder, be at least four years old, have a bay coat, four white socks, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail. They also need to possess a gentle temperament and a strong work ethic.
What do Budweiser Clydesdales eat? Their diet consists of a balanced mix of high-quality hay, grains (like oats and barley), and supplements formulated to meet their nutritional needs. They consume significant quantities due to their size and activity level.
How often do the Clydesdales travel? The traveling hitches are on the road frequently, attending events and making appearances throughout the year. The specific schedule varies depending on the event calendar.
How are the Clydesdales transported? They travel in custom-designed, climate-controlled trailers equipped with air-ride suspension to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Each horse has its own padded stall.
How long have the Budweiser Clydesdales been around? The Budweiser Clydesdales first appeared in 1933, commemorating the repeal of Prohibition. They quickly became an iconic symbol of the Budweiser brand.
Can you visit the Budweiser Clydesdales? Yes, Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, is open to the public for tours. You can see the Clydesdales up close and learn about their care and breeding. Limited viewing may be available at the St. Louis brewery, but Warm Springs offers a more comprehensive experience.
Who takes care of the Budweiser Clydesdales? A dedicated team of experienced handlers, trainers, and veterinarians provides round-the-clock care for the Clydesdales. These professionals are passionate about the horses’ well-being.
What is a “Dalmatian hitch dog” and why are they with the Clydesdales? A Dalmatian is traditionally included with the Clydesdale hitch. In the 1800s, Dalmatians were used to guard the beer wagons and protect the horses from stray dogs. This tradition continues today as a symbolic connection to the past.
How are new Budweiser Clydesdales selected? Budweiser acquires new Clydesdales through their breeding program at Warm Springs Ranch and occasionally purchases horses that meet their strict criteria. Selection is based on conformation, temperament, and overall suitability.
What is the economic impact of the Budweiser Clydesdales? The Budweiser Clydesdales have a significant economic impact, driving tourism to facilities like Warm Springs Ranch, enhancing the Budweiser brand, and creating jobs in various related industries. Their appearances at events also generate revenue for local economies.