Clydesdales Story

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The Budweiser Clydesdales Updated Homecoming Schedule

Lake Charles, La. – The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances during Homecoming Week (Oct. 12-18) in conjunction with McNeese's 75th Anniversary celebrations.
 
On October 16th at 7:00pm, the "Gentle Giants" as they are often referred to, will participate in McNeese State University's annual homecoming parade down Ryan Street.  

On October 17th from 11:00am to 1:00pm, this time will be for McNeese students, faculty, and staff with a valid McNeese ID. All are invited to have "Lunch with the Clydesdales." The food and drinks will be first come, first served. Also on this same day from 6:00pm to 9:00pm,  McNeese will host a celebration at the university's Alumni center. All guest of the University's 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee celebration will receive a special VIP "behind the scenes" tour of the new Budweiser Clydesdales Enhanced Stable Experience. For tickets to this event, CLICK HERE.

On October 18th from NOON to 5:30pm, there will be free viewings for all McNeese fans of the Budweiser Clydesdales Enhanced Stable Experience, which will be located in Lot A north of the Cowboy Corral (MAP HERE). From 3:00pm to 4:00pm, Rowdy will be at the tent to take pictures with fans and the Budweiser Clydesdales. For tickets to the Homecoming football game (McNeese vs Abilene Christian at 6pm), CLICK HERE. 
 
McNeese is just the sixth stop - and the first university - in the country for this new Enhanced Stable Experience. The Enhanced Stable Experience is an interactive tent.  It will not only provide fans the opportunity to see the Budweiser Clydesdales up close, but also it will allow fans to become a part of the Budweiser Clydesdales story by giving a deeper look into the history with an engaging tour.

The Budweiser Clydesdales stop in Lake Charles is brought to McNeese State University courtesy of the Southwest Beverage Company, Inc.  

HISTORY OF THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES

Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's.  Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail.  A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.
 
A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.
 
Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian.  In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.
 
The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis, Mo.; Merrimack, N.H.; and Ft. Collins, Colo.  They also may be viewed at Grant's Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo.
 
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