Budweiser Clydesdales Bed Down at The Sanctuary on Their Way to the Horse Show!

By: Brittany Bevis

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales have arrived in Southwest Florida to help celebrate the 25th annual Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Event! This isn’t the first time the iconic draft horses have made an appearance at Live Oak Plantation; the hitch has visited three times, most recently in 2014.

On Saturday and Sunday, February 27th-28th, an eight-horse hitch will pull the red Budweiser wagon at the show in Ocala, Florida, while helping distribute samples of Budweiser’s most popular brew. Accompanying the Clydesdales on their journey is “Clyde,” their loyal Dalmatian buddy.

In order for a Clydesdale to participate in one of the three traveling hitches that tour the US, each horse must be at least four years old, measure six feet at the shoulder, weigh 2,000 pounds, and have a gentle temperament. Each hitch travels with ten horses, but only eight are used to pull the cart at a time.

When it came time to decide where these beloved equines would bed down for the night, the team turned to The Sanctuary, Equine Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Center in Ocala, Florida. The beautiful facility with ample pastures set underneath the shade of massive oak trees provides the perfect respite for a little rest and relaxation during their trip to Florida.

The custom Budweiser 50-foot trailer, specially equipped with air-cushioned suspension and rubber floor mats, arrived yesterday and the horses got their first taste of the Sunshine State. Both the horses and their canine companion Clyde seem to be enjoying their stay at The Sanctuary!

Scroll below to view some photos from their adventure and be sure to visit the 25th anniversary of the Live Oak International this weekend to see these magnificent creatures in action.