The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make three appearances in the area this week to celebrate the 80 th Anniversary of local wholesaler Belle Point Beverages, Inc.
In two exclusive experiences, one of the “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, will be on display Thursday, April 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Choctaw Casino in Pocola, and Friday, May 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cherokee Casino in Roland.
The full eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon at Chaffee Crossing Historic & Entertainment District on Saturday, May 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Clydesdales’ appearance in the Arkansas River Valley area is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.
Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.
A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.
Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.
The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, MO. They also may be viewed at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, MO.
