Where Do the Budweiser Clydesdales Live? A Majestic Home Revealed

The Budweiser Clydesdales, symbols of American tradition and brewing excellence, don’t just roam free across the plains. They reside in two primary locations, both meticulously designed to cater to their specific needs and ensure their well-being. Their main home is at the Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri, but a significant “second home” exists at the Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri.

Grant’s Farm: The Historic Heart of the Clydesdales

A Legacy of Beer and Horses

Grant’s Farm, located near St. Louis, Missouri, is more than just a farm; it’s a historic landmark steeped in brewing history. Once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, it was later acquired by the Busch family, the founders of Anheuser-Busch. Today, Grant’s Farm serves as a major Clydesdale breeding and training facility, as well as a popular tourist destination.

The Clydesdales’ Stables and Lifestyle

The Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm enjoy luxurious accommodations. The stables are designed with their comfort in mind, featuring spacious stalls, climate control, and state-of-the-art veterinary facilities. Visitors to Grant’s Farm can witness these magnificent horses up close, learn about their history, and even participate in carriage rides drawn by the Clydesdales themselves. The emphasis is on providing a respectful and educational experience that showcases the breed’s elegance and power.

Warm Springs Ranch: A Clydesdale Breeding Powerhouse

Dedicated to the Clydesdale Lineage

While Grant’s Farm offers a more public-facing experience, Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, functions as the premier breeding facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. This expansive ranch is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the breed’s exceptional qualities.

Breeding and Care on a Grand Scale

Warm Springs Ranch boasts over 300 acres of rolling pastures and meticulously designed barns. It is here that the foals are born and raised, undergoing specialized training and care from a young age. The ranch employs a team of expert handlers, veterinarians, and farriers who are deeply committed to the Clydesdales’ health and development. The facility also hosts guided tours, allowing visitors to witness the breeding process firsthand and learn about the meticulous selection criteria that ensure only the finest Clydesdales become part of the Budweiser team.

On the Road: The Traveling Hitches

Maintaining the Legend Across America

It’s crucial to remember that not all Clydesdales reside permanently at Grant’s Farm or Warm Springs Ranch. Several traveling hitches of Clydesdales are strategically stationed across the United States. These teams represent Budweiser at various events, parades, and promotional appearances, bringing the Clydesdale magic to a wider audience.

Purpose-Built Transportation and Care on Tour

When on tour, the Clydesdales travel in specially designed tractor-trailers equipped with comfortable stalls and all the necessary amenities to ensure their well-being. Experienced handlers accompany the horses, providing consistent care and attention throughout their journey. This ensures that even while on the road, the Clydesdales maintain their health, composure, and magnificent appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Budweiser Clydesdales

Here are some frequently asked questions concerning the Budweiser Clydesdales:

1. How many Budweiser Clydesdales are there in total?

While the exact number fluctuates due to breeding and retirements, Anheuser-Busch typically maintains a herd of around 175 Clydesdales. This allows for multiple hitches to be on the road, as well as a healthy breeding program at Warm Springs Ranch.

2. What are the specific requirements for a horse to become a Budweiser Clydesdale?

To qualify as a Budweiser Clydesdale, a horse must meet stringent criteria:

• Must be a gelding (castrated male)
• Must be at least four years old
• Must stand at least 18 hands (6 feet) at the shoulder
• Must weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds
• Must be bay in color (brown body with black mane and tail)
• Must have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face

3. How are the Budweiser Clydesdales trained?

The Budweiser Clydesdales undergo a rigorous training program that begins at a young age. Training focuses on:

• Basic obedience and handling
• Pulling a hitch (carriage)
• Maintaining composure in noisy and crowded environments

4. What do the Budweiser Clydesdales eat?

The Clydesdales are fed a high-quality diet consisting of:

• Hay (primarily timothy hay)
• Grain (a mixture specifically formulated for their needs)
• Fresh water
• Vitamin and mineral supplements

Each Clydesdale consumes around 20-25 pounds of hay and 10-15 pounds of grain per day, demonstrating the importance of proper nutrition.

5. Who takes care of the Budweiser Clydesdales?

A dedicated team of professionals, including:

• Handlers
• Trainers
• Veterinarians
• Farriers (horseshoe experts)

are involved in the daily care and well-being of the Clydesdales. Their collective expertise ensures that the horses receive the best possible care.

6. How can I visit the Budweiser Clydesdales?

You can visit the Budweiser Clydesdales at:

• Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri (seasonal)
• Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri (seasonal)

Check the Anheuser-Busch website for specific dates, hours, and ticket information.

7. Why are Dalmatians often associated with the Budweiser Clydesdales?

Dalmatians have a long history of association with horses, dating back to the days of horse-drawn fire engines. They were traditionally used as carriage dogs, running alongside the horses to clear the path and guard the carriage. This tradition continues with the Budweiser Clydesdales, with a Dalmatian often accompanying the hitch as a symbol of this historical partnership.

8. How much does it cost to maintain the Budweiser Clydesdales?

Maintaining the Budweiser Clydesdales is a significant investment. The costs include:

• Feed
• Veterinary care
• Training
• Transportation
• Staff salaries

While the exact figure is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be substantial.

9. Do the Budweiser Clydesdales ever retire?

Yes, the Budweiser Clydesdales do eventually retire. After years of service, they are typically retired to a comfortable life on a farm where they can enjoy their golden years.

10. What is the significance of the Budweiser Clydesdales?

The Budweiser Clydesdales are more than just horses; they are powerful symbols of:

• American heritage
• Quality and craftsmanship
• The enduring tradition of Anheuser-Busch

They represent the values that Budweiser seeks to embody.

11. Are there any female Clydesdales in the Budweiser hitch?

No, all of the Clydesdales used in the traveling hitches are geldings (castrated males). This is because geldings tend to be more even-tempered and easier to manage in a team setting. However, mares (female horses) are essential to the breeding program at Warm Springs Ranch.

12. How long has Anheuser-Busch been using Clydesdales?

Anheuser-Busch first introduced the Clydesdales in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. August A. Busch, Jr. presented his father with a hitch of Clydesdales, a gesture that proved so popular that the Clydesdales were quickly adopted as a national symbol for the brewery.

The Budweiser Clydesdales, whether at their home bases in Missouri or traveling across the country, continue to captivate audiences and serve as an enduring symbol of American tradition and the unwavering commitment to excellence. They are truly magnificent animals, cared for with the utmost dedication, ensuring their legacy continues for generations to come.