Photograph by Margaret Bauer
The world-famous Anheuser-Busch (InBev?) Clydesdales on the warning track at Busch Stadium for the 80th Annual MLB All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Friday is Opening Day, which means one of our favorite traditions is back: the presentation of the Budweiser Clydesdales during the pregame ceremonies, which happens at 2:30 p.m. this year. Each year, a team of Clydesdales pulling a wagon topped off with two drivers (it takes two—the ropes alone are 40 pounds) and a Dalmatian does a lap around the field. Here's footage from last year:
Is there a more iconic, traditional Opening Day scene? We think not. But how much do you really know about the horses who symbolize our hometown? Here are five fast facts about the Budweiser Clydesdales.
1. What does it take to be a Budweiser Clydesdale?
Warm Springs Ranch near Booneville is the official breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales.But not any and every Clydesdale bred there can be a Bud Clydesdale in the famous hitch. In order to join, the horses must be 6 feet tall from their shoulders to the ground, a castrated male, and at least 4 years old. They must have a bay coat—meaning a brown body—with a black mane and tail, four white feet, and a white blaze on their faces. And we like 'em big: 1,800 to 2,300 pounds, to be specific. They may look fancy, but they're powerful animals. Each is capable of pulling a 1-ton load at 5 miles an hour. What's it like to train one? SLM talked with Clydesdale handler Michelle Speck, who works at Grant's Farm, in 2013 to learn more about what it's like to work with the gentle giants.
2. How old is the Clydesdale breed?
The horses got their start when early 19th-century Scottish farmers bred a few Great Flemish Horses with mares. Et voilà ! Clydesdales. They became associated with Budweiser in April 1933, when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch gave their father 12 Clydesdales in celebration of Prohibition's repeal. The horses have appeared in two presidential inaugural parades: Harry Truman’s (a Missourian) in 1949 and Bill Clinton’s in 1993.
3. But do they have cute names?
Drivers of teams have to be able to command the horses en route, so they're given short, easy-to-remember monikers. Examples: Duke, Mark, Captain, and, uh, Bud.
4. Why are Dalmatians their BFFs?
According to Budweiser, Dalmatians used to be "coach dogs"—they ran along carriages and provided animal companionship for the dogs. (Animal friends! Cue crying.) That's symbolized today by the dogs riding along with the drivers in the wagon.
5. Where can I see the Clydesdales apart from Opening Day?
St. Louisans are in luck. Warm Springs Ranch just welcomed a new baby Clydesdale, Carly, in early March. Tours of the ranch run now through November 3, every day except Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $15 a guest, but children under 2 are free. Visitors will get to see the horses, meet their handlers, take a photo with a Clydesdale, and drink Budweiser samples.
You can also visit the Clydesdales at Grant's Farm, which keeps more than 50 of the horses, six months to 15 years old. The Clydesdale Stable hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
