Budweiser Clydesdales arrive at Penn National

The Budweiser Clydesdales, and their Dalmation mascot Brewer, arrived at Penn National on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Penn National)

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of
quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, arrived at Penn National on Tuesday in advance of their scheduled
appearances on Friday and Saturday.

Weather permitting, the eight-horse hitch will be harnessed
and hitched to the famous red beer wagon and parade down the Penn National
stretch at approximately 5 p.m. (EDT), shortly before live racing on both days.

First post on Friday and Saturday is 6 p.m., and during the live
racing program on both evenings, weather permitting, the Clydesdales will be
situated on the apron area for photo opportunities with fans until approximately
7 p.m.

The Clydesdales’ appearance at Penn National is one of
hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. 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.