Last night we watched the Budweiser Clydesdale horses performing at the South Point Casino arena and equestrian center in Las Vegas. Admission to the event was free, as was the Budweiser beer. I knew them from the TV commercials of this famous American brewery. What a chance that we happened to be here and we could see them alive!
Budweiser Clydesdale show at the South Point Casino
The program lasted from 6 to 8 pm, with 2 stages. First the horses carrying the beer wagon came into the arena and stopped in the middle. There, everybody could go and take pictures of them.
How huge, majestic and beautiful they were!… They were also so patient and calm with all the people around. Each Clydesdale was wearing festive shiny harness, like specifically made for Las Vegas. Even the famous dog was wearing a special sparkling vest :)
Short history:
- The story tells that in 1933, six Clydesdale horses were given as a gift to the owner of the company (August Bush) by his 2 sons to celebrate the end of prohibition. From that date the brewery started to use them as drought horses for the beer wagons. The beautiful Clydesdale where attracting people’s interest and the sales went up. This is how the brewery started to use them a promotional too. Great idea!
- The home of the Budweiser Clydesdale is in St. Louis where the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is. From there they travel all over the country to important locations or events — this year they participated in the Rose parade in California, too. BTW: the cute Dalmatian is always present on all the trips and events :)
- The 8 horses are hitched to the beer wagon starting with the tallest ones first and the smallest ones in front as leaders.
- They are between 4 and 9 years old and weight about 2000 lb.
The Budweiser Clydesdale’s skills demonstration
It is not easy to be a hitch driver we learned. It takes special skills and training to manipulate the 8 horses. He has to deal with 2 times 8 strings (2 per horse). Each he has to be pulled individually in the right direction at the right time, while performing difficult tasks. This requires strength too…
The second stage was the demonstration of several maneuvers. We could see an example of how to make the horses move right or left while the wagon had to stay in the same position.
Everything was a success. We were literally impressed with these wonderful horses and their performance, even though for the hitch driver this was only his second public performance. They successfully accomplished it.
The saloon
But it seems like this was not the first time the Budweiser Clydesdale team visited the South Point Casino. This (above) is a picture I found in the Equestrian Center Saloon. It is actually called “Saturday Night Bar”.
The bar itself is a nice large place with Wild West atmosphere overlooking the arena. If you come early enough before a show starts, you can grab a beer and get a seat right in front of the huge window to watch the arena while sipping your drink.
The South Point Casino Arena and Equestrian center in Las Vegas is home for many events, shows and exhibitions every month, and a few are free to the public. It’s great to know about some of the free attractions in the city, isn’t it!
Word: Grab
Thank you XingfuMama :) Yes, it was not only a great show but we learned a lot about this horses too :)
Fascinating information about the horses. I’d never thought about how difficult it must be for the hitch driver (never even knew that term). The horses are so beautiful.
Very cool! Thanks so much for joining in. 😊