by Ashley Murphy

After the last couple of months of writing articles based off of people who really ticked me off, I've decided to continue on a lighter note. After seeing the Budweiser Clydesdale commercial during the Super Bowl last month, I literally balled my eyes out. It was so precious that I've decided to tell you a little about these huge, but gentle, creatures and the brand they help represent.

I can't even remember how long ago it was that I started liking the Clydesdale horse, but I know the first time I saw one was in a Budweiser commercial. While their main staple in the United States is linked to the Budweiser brand, Clydesdales are actually named for the River Clyde, in Lanarkshire, Scotland. In the early 1800s, farmers in this area cross bred horses, and the Clydesdale was born.

The Clydesdale wasn't always as large as it is today. It was a smaller draught horse, used mainly for labor. Today, the typical Clydesdale can stand anywhere from 5 to 6 feet and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds! In my opinion, their size is what makes them so beautiful. I guess that's why August Anheuser Busch, Jr. chose to present them as a magnificent gift to his father.

The gift was to celebrate the end of prohibition. The Clydesdales were presented to Busch, Sr. as they pulled a red, white and gold beer wagon. The Budweiser Clydesdales were actually introduced to the public on April 7, 1933 when they carried the first case of post-Prohibition beer from the St. Louis brewery through the streets of St. Louis.

This then turned into a tour of the Northeast that included the Clydesdale hitch delivering cases of beer to a former New York Governor and to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House. The Clydesdales have been a major marketing staple ever since and have appeared in many commercials, parades and promotional showings.

This latest Budweiser Super Bowl commercial follows a trainer as he cares for a new foal in its early days, through sickness and then the training process before the baby goes to join the Budweiser hitch touring the country. A few years later, he goes to see "his" Clydesdale in a parade. After the parade is over, the man goes back to his, but the Clydesdales sees him and takes off running after him and they are united once again. All the while, Fleetwood Mac is playing in the background. My description really doesn't do it justice, so go here to see the heartwarming ad for yourself. I warned you earlier about the tears. So have a Kleenex ready.

This ad wasn't only a marketing attempt to sell their product, but also a way to draw the public in to help name a new Clydesdale foal born at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, MO. The foal seen in this ad was only 7 days old at the time of filming. The advertisement was a success, as Budweiser was flooded with name suggestions. Out of the thousands of suggestions, Budweiser chose Hope as the foal's name. I thought it quite simple myself, but they have to keep the name as close to one syllable as possible to make it easier on the driver and horses when issuing commands while driving the hitch. (Even though the mares aren't allowed to draw the hitch.)

Even if they are male, not just any Clydesdale can draw the Budweiser hitch. Certain requirements must be met before one is considered. For starters, they must be geldings and at least 4 years old. They must have a bay coat, four white stockings, a blaze of white on the face and a black mane and tail. If these requirements are met, size is looked at next. The Clydesdales must stand 18 hands, or 6 feet, tall and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.

As I said before, the foal in the Super Bowl ad was born at the Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, MO. A 300-plus acre breeding farm. This is one of several homes for the Budweiser horses. At this location, there are more than 100 Clydesdale horses that range from foals to stallions. Warm Springs Ranch is open to the public for tours, but reservations are required. Starting April 1st, you can schedule a tour to see the facility and get up close and personal with many of the Clydesdales. Visit www.warmspringsranch.com for more information.

The official home of the Budweiser Clydesdales is on Grant's Farm in St. Louis, MO. They reside in an ornate brick and stained-glass stable that was built in 1885. Approximately 25 Clydesdales reside in this stable. However, not only Clydesdales live on this 281 acre plot of land. Even though the land is owned by the Busch family and Grant's Farm is operated by Anheuser Busch, the Clydesdales share the space with dozens of other species of animals. The family wanted to share their love of animals and wildlife with the public. This facility is also open to the public, but requires no reservation or admission fee, only a small parking fee. You can start touring in April. To get more information and read about the historic Grant's Farm, visit www.grantsfarm.com.

I wasn't aware of any of these stables or of them being open to the public until I did  a little research after seeing this latest Super Bowl ad. I plan to take advantage of Anheuser Busch's love of Clydesdales and the stables being open to the public sometime in the near future. I hope others who have a love for these gentle giants are able to do so, too.

I just wonder how hard it would be to "sneak" one back with me....

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