Home is Where the Hay Is: Unveiling the Homes of the Budweiser Clydesdales

The magnificent Budweiser Clydesdales, those iconic symbols of American brewing tradition, don’t just vanish after their star turns in Super Bowl commercials and parades. They have several permanent homes across the United States, with the most prominent being the historic stables at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri. Additional “hitching teams” are based at Grant’s Farm, also in St. Louis, Missouri, and at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri. These locations are designed to provide the highest standards of care, training, and comfortable living for these gentle giants.

The Crown Jewel: St. Louis Brewery Stables

A Legacy of Luxury

The Anheuser-Busch brewery stables in St. Louis are more than just horse stalls; they are a piece of history. Built in 1885, these magnificent stables, constructed of brick and adorned with intricate woodwork, were originally designed to house the brewery’s horses. Today, they are meticulously maintained to provide a luxurious and fitting home for the Clydesdales.

Inside, you’ll find spacious stalls with thick bedding, ensuring the horses’ comfort. The stables are equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation and climate control systems to maintain optimal conditions year-round. Regular cleaning and grooming ensure the horses remain in peak condition. The sheer grandeur of the stables reflects the importance Anheuser-Busch places on these iconic horses.

More Than Just a Home

Beyond providing shelter, the St. Louis stables are a hub of activity. Expert handlers and caretakers are on-site around the clock to ensure the Clydesdales’ well-being. The horses receive regular exercise, grooming, and training to maintain their physical fitness and prepare them for appearances. Visitors to the brewery can tour the stables and get a glimpse into the daily lives of these remarkable animals. It’s not just a home; it’s a living museum that celebrates the heritage of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Warm Springs Ranch: The Clydesdale Breeding Farm

Raising the Next Generation

Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, is the Clydesdales’ breeding facility. This 300+ acre farm is dedicated to raising and training the next generation of Budweiser Clydesdales. Here, potential Clydesdales are carefully selected and nurtured from birth. The ranch is designed to provide a safe and natural environment for the horses to thrive.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Warm Springs Ranch boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a veterinary lab, breeding barn, and multiple pastures. The horses receive expert veterinary care, ensuring their health and well-being. The ranch’s team of experienced professionals is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of equine care. Visitors to Warm Springs Ranch can witness the breeding and training process firsthand, gaining a unique appreciation for the dedication it takes to raise these exceptional animals. It’s here that the future of the Budweiser Clydesdales is secured.

Grant’s Farm: A Family Tradition

Continuing the Legacy

Grant’s Farm, another Anheuser-Busch property in St. Louis, also houses a team of Budweiser Clydesdales. This historic farm, once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, has been a beloved St. Louis attraction for generations. The Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm participate in parades and demonstrations, delighting visitors of all ages.

An Interactive Experience

Grant’s Farm offers a more interactive experience for visitors. Guests can get up close to the Clydesdales, learn about their history, and even participate in photo opportunities. The farm’s staff is passionate about educating the public about these magnificent animals. The presence of the Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm helps to preserve the legacy of the Anheuser-Busch family and their commitment to these iconic horses.

FAQs: Your Clydesdale Questions Answered

1. How are the Budweiser Clydesdales selected?

Selection criteria for Budweiser Clydesdales are rigorous. Horses must be at least three years old, stand approximately 18 hands (six feet) at the shoulder, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, and be gelded males. They must have a bay coat, four white legs, a white blaze, and a black mane and tail.

2. What do Budweiser Clydesdales eat?

Their diet consists primarily of high-quality hay, grains, and fresh water. The amount they eat varies depending on their activity level, but each Clydesdale can consume up to 50-60 pounds of hay and 25 quarts of grain per day.

3. How many Budweiser Clydesdales are there in total?

The number fluctuates, but approximately 150-200 Clydesdales are owned by Anheuser-Busch. However, only a select few make up the traveling “hitching teams.”

4. How often do the Budweiser Clydesdales travel?

The travel schedule varies, but the hitching teams participate in parades, promotional events, and public appearances throughout the year. They often travel for several weeks or months at a time.

5. How are the Budweiser Clydesdales transported?

They are transported in custom-built, climate-controlled trailers. These trailers are designed to ensure the horses’ comfort and safety during travel. A dedicated team of drivers and handlers accompanies the horses on their journeys.

6. Who takes care of the Budweiser Clydesdales?

A team of expert handlers, grooms, and veterinarians are responsible for the daily care of the Budweiser Clydesdales. They provide the horses with food, water, grooming, exercise, and medical attention. The handlers develop close bonds with the horses and are dedicated to their well-being.

7. Can I visit the Budweiser Clydesdales?

Yes! The stables at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, and Grant’s Farm in St. Louis are open to the public. Visitors can tour the facilities, see the horses up close, and learn about their history. Check their websites for specific hours and tour information.

8. How long have the Budweiser Clydesdales been associated with Anheuser-Busch?

The association dates back to 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. presented his father with the first hitch of Clydesdales to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.

9. What is a “hitching team”?

A hitching team refers to the eight Clydesdales selected to pull the Budweiser hitch. These horses are meticulously matched for size, color, and temperament. They undergo extensive training to work together as a cohesive unit.

10. How much does it cost to maintain a Budweiser Clydesdale?

The cost to maintain a single Clydesdale is substantial, estimated to be tens of thousands of dollars per year. This includes food, veterinary care, farrier services, training, and transportation.

11. What happens to Budweiser Clydesdales when they retire?

Retired Clydesdales are often placed in loving homes, where they can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful retirement. Anheuser-Busch ensures that these horses continue to receive excellent care.

12. Are the Budweiser Clydesdales used for anything other than advertising?

While their primary role is as symbols of Anheuser-Busch, the Clydesdales also participate in therapeutic programs and charitable events. Their gentle nature and majestic presence can bring joy and comfort to people of all ages.