Budweiser Clydesdales

Before leaving Branson, Missouri and moving to Columbia, Missouri we bought our tickets ($15 each) to visit Warm Springs Ranch.

There are 14 miles of fence line.

Warm Springs Ranch is the headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdales’ breeding operation and is in Boonville, Missouri.

The WSR letters are from an old Budweiser sign.

The ranch is beautiful.  This year is their 10th anniversary at this 340 acre ranch. 

The first part of the tour started with a short video of several of the Budweiser commercials.  Then Blake, one of the guides, explained the breeding operation.

Next we went outside (it was a very cold, windy day) to meet Sheila and her new colt (not named yet).

Sheila and baby.

More than 300 years ago the breed was developed for farm work in the region of Clydesdale, Scotland.  They are capable of pulling a 1-ton load a 5MPH.

This is Rock-On.  He is one of the sires and is beautiful.

Rock-On.

All of the Clydesdales’ have names.

Of course one of them is named Bud!

This is Stan.  He is 5 years old, weighs 2000 pounds, and is 6’ at the shoulders.  He has been in one of the commercials.

Stan

Cindy explained the grooming process while we all got a good look at Stan.  Cindy demonstrated how to brush Stan.

Stan was really enjoying it!

Next Cindy explained how a vacuum cleaner is used to vacuum off the loose hair.

Stan was so relaxed he started falling asleep.

My what big feet you have!  - This really is a new Clydesdale horseshoe.

To qualify for one of the hitches, a Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding with an even temperament and strong draft horse appearance.  Be at least 4 years old, stand at least 72 inches at the withers when fully mature and weight between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.  In addition, each horse must be bay in color with a black mane and tail, have four white stocking feet and a blaze of white on the face.

White stocking feet.

After meeting Stan we went back outside to see how they ride in style.

3 of these trailers carry 10 Clydesdales and all their equipment

Rest stops are every 2 hours.

There are eight horses driven at any one time, but ten horses are on each team to provide alternates for the hitch when needed. 

The Budweiser Clydesdales made their first appearance on April 7, 1933.  A gift from August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch to their father in celebration of the repeal of Prohibition. 

The harness they wear weights 100 pounds!

We went back inside to meet some of the other moms and their new babies.

This is Toby and his mom Shani.  Toby was born yesterday and spent most of his time sleeping.

Toby and Mom

This is Hennen. Mom is Lois.

Hennen is 3 days old.

New foals weight about 150 pounds at birth.

We skipped the free beer at the end of the tour and spent some time with Jed.  He was pretty impressive!

The whole operation is first class.  The tour is worth a stop.

Of course there is a gift shop. 

Magnet for my collection.