Lots of companies have animal mascots, but few are as recognizable or iconic as the Budweiser Clydesdales. Since the end of prohibition, the horse breed has practically become synonymous with the brand. In fact, Budweiser owns one of the largest Clydesdale herds in the world! Around two hundred head are spread out over five different facilities. And the Budweiser Clydesdales like to show off! There are lots of opportunities to get up close and personal with these incredible horses.
Warm Springs Ranch
A beautiful farm nestled into the peaceful Missouri countryside houses Budweiser’s Clydesdale breeding program. Here you can meet some of the stallions as well as the broodmares and their adorable foals. The facility is open for guided tours only and you do need to purchase these in advance as they do sell out, sometimes weeks ahead of time, during busy times of the year. On your tour, you’ll get to see the facilities, learn about everything that goes into breeding and training these magnificent animals, take pictures, pet a Clydesdale, and even taste some beer.
Budweiser Breweries
St. Louis, MO: The St. Louis brewery includes an incredible stable to house their Clydesdales. Your brewery tour includes not only a look at the brewing process and beer samples, but also a visit to these impressive stables and the horses that call it home. Basic tours are free on a first come, first served basis…or you can reserve a spot online in advance for a small fee. There are also more indepth tours available at an additional cost.
Fort Collins, CO and Merrimack, NH: These breweries are home to the west and east coast teams and, when the horses aren’t out touring, you can visit them at their respective brewery.
On the road
Budweiser has three travelling hitches that make appearances at parades and festivals all over the country. Not only do you have a chance to experience the horses up close, you can see them doing what they do best! Check out the hitch schedule here.
Why isn’t Grant’s Farm listed???
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Grant’s Farm and its association with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The facility does house many of the young horses as they go through their initial training and the public is welcome to meet them there. However, Grant’s Farm is also home to other animal attractions which have been the subject of welfare concerns in the recent past. The attraction is making changes and hopefully their animal welfare standards continue to improve in the future.
