The Budwesier Clydesdales round the Busch Stadium track for Opening Day ceremonies 2015. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
If you have ever been at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, on opening day you will have seen the iconic Clydesdales. These majestic horses march around the inside of the stadium to cheering crowds as the Budweiser theme song plays. Have you ever wondered who takes care of these horses? And who picked which horses to pull the wagon? Or what’s the story from the day they were born?
Warm Springs Ranch – Boonville, MO
Travel down Interstate 70 west of Columbia to the first exit after crossing the Missouri River. Warm Springs Ranch is a beautiful 300 plus acre ranch. As you go through the gates you will see the green fields and the red barns. And the horses! That’s the reason you came. To see the horses.
Get reservations
Reservations are a requirement to take a tour. The tour limits the number of people allowed and they sell out quickly. So plan ahead. You may need to make reservations weeks ahead or even a month or two. These tours are very popular for people of all ages. The cost for the 90 minute tour is very reasonable.
Bring your camera
This may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating anyway. The horses are majestic and there is time for taking photos on the tour. If you are there when the foals are young, you definitely won’t want to miss out. We took my daughter with us and I’m not sure how many times the word “cute” was used, but it was a lot.
Bring your questions
Warm Springs Ranch is the place to learn about the Clydesdales. The tour guides imparted a lot of information, but always had time for questions. And they are the experts. Those who work at Warms Springs Ranch perhaps know more about Clydesdales than any place in the country. This makes it a great educational experience for children (from 2 to 102) of all ages.
Yes, there is Budweiser
These Clydesdales are BUDWEISER Clydesdales. You are constantly reminded that they are a part of the Budweiser brand. But you knew that before you ever bought the tickets. The tour guide reminds you about the free samples of Budweiser at the end of the tour a number of times. The Clydesdales are a marketing tool to sell their beer and Anheuser Busch is very good at advertising. All you have to do watch one of their commercials on YouTube. But if you came to Warm Springs just to get a free Budweiser, for a few less dollars get it at the corner grocery store. It’s really all about the horses.