Warm Springs Ranch

In October, we (the senior Wades, junior Wades, and Nieders) road tripped to Boonville, MO. That's said 'boon-vull' if you were wondering.

The Warm Springs Ranch (aka Budweiser Clydesdale breeding ground) lives in Boonville, and wow, it's a glorious, gorgeous place. If I had blogged about this Ranch in October when we went, I would have been able to record details about number of ranch hands, Clydesdale gestation periods, etc. But, well.. It's no longer October.

Lots of great pics to share, though!

This place is simply gorgeous.

Nature at it's absolute best. How beautiful is this picture of a less than one month old Clydesdale nursing from him mama? I do remember that Clydesdales wean at 5 months. I was still nursing Macy at that time and decided if a Clydesdale could wean at 5 months, so could a Macy.

Close up of baby. There were 5-6 babies that we saw, and they all had the same daddy. #stallion.

The Baby Clydesdale's name starts with the same letter as their mama's. Except for one time when Belle had a baby that the farm hands named Taco.

I think the horse weighs more than all of us put together!

Great family! It was obviously a warm day in October!

#horsedrawncarriage

Wee bitty Macy!

This celebrity Stallion has starred in some super bowl Bud commercials.

This special horse will be a stallion soon. They start breeding at age 4 (I think). So right now, he's 'dating around' to find some ladies that he has a natural tendency toward. Hard life, right?

Thanks for a great day, Warm Springs Ranch!

Here are some FAQs from the website:

Can any Clydesdale be a Budweiser Clydesdale?

No. In order to join the World Famous Budweiser hitch, a Clydesdale must meet certain requirements. They must stand at least 18 hands high (or 6 feet tall). They must be geldings and at least 4 years old. They must have a bay coat, four white stockings, a blaze of white on the face, a black mane and a black tail. And they must weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds.

How much does a Clydesdale eat and drink?

Each hitch horse consumes as much as 20 to 25 quarts of whole grains, minerals, and vitamins, 50 to 60 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.

How do the Clydesdales travel?

Ten horses, the famous red, white, and gold beer wagon and other essential pieces of equipment are transported in three 50-foot tractor-trailers. Air cushioned suspension and thick rubber flooring in the trailers ease the rigors of travelling. And the team stops each night at local stables so the gentle giants can rest.

What does it take to drive a hitch of Clydesdales?

Driving the combined 12 tons of wagon and horses requires expert skill and physical strength. The 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling creates a weight of over 75 pounds. That’s why the hitch drivers endure a lengthy training process before they assume the prestigious role of “Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver.”

Do the Clydesdales have a special harness?

Yes. Each harness is handcrafted with solid brass, patent leather, and stitched with pure linen thread. The harness is made to fit any Clydesdale; however, collars come in various sizes and must be individually fitted to the Clydesdales like a finely tailored suit. Each harness and collar weigh approximately 130 pounds.

How big is a Clydesdale horseshoe?

Clydesdale horseshoes measure more than 20 inches from end to end and weigh about five pounds – more than twice as long and five times as heavy as the shoe worn by a light horse.