During the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on February 18, 2023, an incident involving the Budweiser Clydesdales occurred that captured widespread attention. The renowned team of eight Clydesdale horses became entangled in their harnesses during a performance, leading to one horse falling to the ground. Handlers and veterinarians promptly intervened, and the horse was examined and found to be unharmed, returning to work the next day.
The incident was documented in a video that quickly went viral, amassing millions of views online. The footage shows the horses attempting a maneuver when the front pair turned unexpectedly, causing a chain reaction that led to the entanglement and the fall of one horse. Handlers swiftly responded, calming the fallen horse by covering its eyes and carefully disentangling the harnesses.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser, released a statement confirming that the horse was thoroughly examined by veterinarians and was doing fine, allowing the team to resume their schedule as planned.
This event highlighted the unpredictability inherent in live animal performances and the importance of having trained professionals on hand to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. The rapid response of the handlers and veterinary team was instrumental in managing the situation effectively.
The Budweiser Clydesdales have long been a symbol of tradition and excellence, making appearances at various events nationwide. This incident, while concerning, demonstrated the team’s commitment to animal welfare and the strong bond between the horses and their handlers.
For a visual account of the incident, you can view the following video:
