Budweiser "Clydesdales" A Memorable Experience

This year is the 57th Mobil I 12 Hours of Sebring, International Race, and there are several special events leading up to day of the race. Crowds begin to draw near in excess of 200,000 fans several days prior to the race. However, this year John Hendrik, Sales Center Manager of Bernie Little Distributor, arranged for the magnificent Clydesdale's of Budweiser to open the race. The race begins, Saturday at 7 am, at the Sebring International Race Track, in Sebring, Florida.

The Clydesdale's were available for public viewing today at the LakeShore Mall, in Sebring, Florida: and young and old alike came out to see the spectacular Clydesdale's, in all their splendor, hitched to the famous red wagon, accompanied by their dalmatian mascot. Special care is given to these gentle giants as they travel throughout the country. They are transported in three large semi- trucks and have special handlers that travel with them throughout the country. To prepare for an event takes over 5 hours and they are carefully groomed and their main and tails are braided. They then decorate their main and tails with ribbons or flowers.

I remember first seeing these fantastic horses at Seaworld in Orlando Florida, and it was a memorable experience for myself and children. Pictures do not do these gorgeous animals justice you have to see them in person to appreciate how truly spectacular they are.

The Clydesdales originated from Europe and were known as the "great war horses" because of their incredible strength they were able plow and transport heavy loads.

The Clydesdales were first introduced to North America in 1842 and were utilized for assisting in transporting deliveries, prior to the introduction of the automobile and the gas engine. Known for their massive size exceeding a monstrous 2,000 lbs, and being an impressive 18 hands tall.

The end of the prohibition in the early 1930's was the beginning of the Budweiser Clydesdales tradition. August A. Busch Jr, gave his father a gift of a team of Clydesdales and a "bright red brewery wagon" and the Budweiser Clydesdale tradition was born.