Behind the grand spectacle of the Budweiser Clydesdales, with their gleaming coats, feathered hooves, and elegant strides, lies a world that few get to witness. The meticulous care, rigorous training, and storied tradition surrounding these magnificent horses take place in a haven designed specifically for them. Welcome to Warm Springs Ranch, the official breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales, nestled in the rolling hills of Boonville, Missouri.
The Legacy of the Budweiser Clydesdales
Before delving into the home of these majestic horses, it is important to understand their legacy. The Budweiser Clydesdales made their grand debut in 1933 when August A. Busch Jr. and Adolphus Busch presented a six-horse hitch to their father in celebration of the repeal of Prohibition. The horses quickly became a symbol of the Anheuser-Busch brand, making appearances at parades, events, and even Super Bowl commercials. Today, they remain one of the most iconic symbols in advertising and equine history.
Warm Springs Ranch: A Haven for Clydesdales
Warm Springs Ranch, established in 2008, spans over 300 acres and serves as the primary breeding and training facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. The state-of-the-art facility is home to over 100 Clydesdales, ranging from foals to retired stallions. The ranch is designed with the horses’ well-being in mind, featuring spacious pastures, custom-built barns, and specialized veterinary care.
The Daily Routine
A day at Warm Springs Ranch begins at sunrise. Caretakers arrive early to check on the horses, ensuring their health and well-being. Each horse undergoes a thorough inspection, which includes monitoring their diet, hydration levels, and overall physical condition. Nutrition plays a vital role in their upkeep, and each horse is provided with a carefully balanced diet of hay, grains, and supplements to maintain optimal health.
Grooming is another integral part of their daily routine. The Clydesdales receive extensive grooming, including brushing, hoof care, and occasional baths. The iconic feathering on their legs is particularly delicate and requires special attention to prevent irritation or infection.
Training the Gentle Giants
Training a Budweiser Clydesdale is a meticulous process that begins at a young age. Foals born at Warm Springs Ranch are introduced to human interaction immediately. Handlers work to familiarize them with halters, gentle handling, and basic commands. As they mature, training becomes more intensive, incorporating harness work, pulling carts, and responding to voice commands.
By the time a Clydesdale reaches the age of four, it may be considered for one of the prestigious hitch teams that travel across the country for various events. These teams undergo rigorous selection, with only the best horses making the cut based on their temperament, physical characteristics, and ability to work seamlessly in a team.
The Foaling Barn: Where It All Begins
One of the most exciting parts of Warm Springs Ranch is the foaling barn, where the future stars of the Budweiser Clydesdales are born. The ranch welcomes around 20 foals each year, carefully bred to uphold the high standards of the breed. Foals are monitored around the clock, with veterinarians and handlers ensuring a safe birth and a healthy start to life.
Each foal is given a unique name that often reflects its lineage or a special theme chosen for the year. From their first steps to their first interaction with handlers, every moment is crucial in shaping their future as a Budweiser Clydesdale.
The Public Experience
While Warm Springs Ranch primarily serves as a breeding and training facility, it also offers guided tours to the public. Visitors can get an up-close look at these magnificent horses, learn about their history, and even witness training sessions. The tours include access to the foaling barn, hitching area, and paddocks where the horses roam freely.
A highlight of the tour is meeting the newest foals and seeing firsthand the meticulous care that goes into maintaining the Clydesdales. Guests may also have the opportunity to interact with the horses, taking photos and even feeding them under the guidance of trained handlers.
The Road to Becoming a Hitch Horse
Not all Clydesdales at Warm Springs Ranch will become part of the traveling hitch teams. The selection process is stringent, and only those who meet the highest standards make the cut. A Budweiser Clydesdale must meet specific criteria:
- Appearance: They must stand at least 18 hands (six feet) tall and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds. Their coat must be bay in color with a white blaze and four white stockings.
- Temperament: They must possess a gentle and calm disposition, as they will be interacting with the public frequently.
- Teamwork Skills: They must be able to work in unison with other Clydesdales, pulling the famous red beer wagon with precision and grace.
Those who do not make the traveling teams often serve other important roles, such as appearing in local events, being used for breeding, or retiring to a peaceful life at the ranch.
The Journey Continues
Once a horse has successfully completed training and been selected for a hitch team, it embarks on a journey across the country, spreading the legacy of the Budweiser Clydesdales. The teams travel in specially designed tractor-trailers equipped with air conditioning, rubber flooring, and plenty of space to ensure the horses’ comfort. Each team is accompanied by expert handlers, veterinarians, and caretakers who ensure the horses remain in top condition while on the road.
From leading parades to making Super Bowl appearances, the Budweiser Clydesdales have become an enduring symbol of excellence, tradition, and pride. Their presence continues to captivate audiences, reinforcing their status as one of the most beloved equine icons in the world.
Conclusion
Behind every majestic trot and powerful pull of the Budweiser Clydesdales is an incredible amount of dedication, care, and tradition. Warm Springs Ranch stands as a testament to this commitment, providing these horses with a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Whether they are foals taking their first steps or seasoned hitch horses making national appearances, each Clydesdale plays a vital role in carrying forward a legacy that has spanned nearly a century.
For those fortunate enough to visit Warm Springs Ranch, it is more than just a tour—it is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world where history, craftsmanship, and equine excellence come together. It is here, amidst the rolling pastures and expertly maintained barns, that the story of the Budweiser Clydesdales continues to unfold, one hoofbeat at a time.
