Animal Science

According to USA Today, 2009 Super Bowl ads featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales ranked second and third in its list of the top ten most popular. Fans of these animals may wonder how they can appear identical and march in perfect step with one another – not to mention how a person can control eight animals weighing in at a total of about 16,000 pounds!

What is a Clydesdale?

A breed of heavy draft horse, the Clydesdale is originally from Scotland and was used for farm work over 200 years ago. Although the size of each animal varies, the average weight is 1,600 to 2,400 pounds – as much as a small car. A Clydesdale can grow to be 72 inches (six feet) at the shoulder or 18 "hands" in equine terminology.

What Makes a Budweiser Clydesdale?

Although Clydesdales can come in different colors including bay, brown, black, sorrel, or roan, the only acceptable color for a Budweiser Clydesdale is bay. Some other criteria must also be met:

• Age and Sex – 4 years, gelding (castrated male)
• Height – 72 inches at the shoulder
• Weight – 1,800 to 2,300 pounds
• Color and Markings – bay, four white stockings (leg markings), white blaze (face marking), black mane and tail

Budweiser Clydesdale History

The first six-horse Clydesdale hitch was given from August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III to their father, August A. Busch, Sr. It was to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition on April 7, 1933. A second, identical hitch was purchased and sent on a tour of New England and the Middle Atlantic states, delivering beer and creating fans, including President F.D. Roosevelt.

Today, the standard Clydesdale hitch consists of eight horses. The Dalmatian was added to the group in 1950 to commemorate the opening of the company's Newark brewery. The dog is the Budweiser Clydesdales' mascot.

Driving the Clydesdales

As if the thought of handling about eight tons of unpredictable animals doesn't sound daunting enough, there's more to consider with the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch.

• The harness for each horse weighs 130 pounds
• The reins, held by the driver, can weigh over 40 pounds
• Braking systems in the 1900s Studebaker wagons are hydraulic pedals to slow for turns and hills; foot brakes lock the rear wheels
• "Wheelhorses" are closest to the wagon – they are stronger and help stop and star t the vehicle
• The "body" are the horses in the middle – they help turn the vehicle
• "Leaders" are out in front – they are the fastest!

Recent Concern

In July 2008, InBev, a Belgian brewer, purchased Anheuser-Busch, an American brewer. What will happen to the Budweiser Clydesdales? As it turns out, Anheuser-Busch has an entire operation devoted to raising, training, and housing its horses. Popular equine publication TheHorse.com interviewed the general manager of Anheuser-Busch's Clydesdale Operations and discovered plans are to keep the status quo, including the various Clydesdale locations around the U.S.

The hitches will continue to make over 500 appearances each year. Anheuser Busch owns approximately 250 Clydesdales.

Resources:

http://clydesusa.com/101-faq.php

http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/admeter/2009-02-01-results-chart_N.htm

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=14248&source=rss

http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/clydesdale/faq.htm

http://www.anheuser-busch.com/historyClydesdales.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Budweiser_Clydesdales