Budweiser Clydesdales Return: A Marvelous Comeback Steals the Spotlight.

After a 37-year absence from the Super Bowl, the Budweiser Clydesdales are making a comeback. This year, they are spending the week in Burbank at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, conveniently situated at the end of Main Street.

There aren’t many images in American football history as famous as the Budweiser Clydesdales galloping onto the field before kickoff. These magnificent horses adorned television screens for 37 years, turning them into a symbol of majesty and tradition.

However, they took a hiatus from the Super Bowl, breaking a long-standing streak.

This year, though, they are back, returning to the limelight and capturing the hearts of viewers once more. This comeback marks a significant moment in the history of the Super Bowl commercials, reigniting the excitement and nostalgia associated with these magnificent creatures. Join us as we delve into the story behind the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales and explore the impact of their majestic presence on one of the biggest sporting events in the nation.

At the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, the Budweiser Clydesdales receive meticulous care from their dedicated handlers, led by Lane Soendker.

According to Soendker, these horses are treated like rock stars, and the handlers are their devoted groupies, attending to their every need.

This includes grooming the Clydesdales meticulously, including shaving and trimming their entire bodies and paying special attention to the fluffy white hair on their legs, known as “feathers.”

To maintain their pristine appearance, a purple shampoo is used to keep these feathers perfectly white.

To qualify as a Budweiser Clydesdale, horses must meet specific criteria: they must be geldings, which means they are neutered males, and they must have brown fur with a black mane and tail, a white blaze on their nose, and stand at least 18 hands high, equivalent to 6 feet at the top of their shoulder.

Ten Clydesdales are part of the crew now in town for the big event; handler Lane Soendker knows each dog by name. For example, he knows Diesel, one of the lead horses. As part of his job, Soendker looks after the horses’ equipment, such as a ten-pound bridle made of leather, brass, and patent leather. Every week, they have to clean all of the rigging, which weighs around 135 pounds. Soendker compares this weight to putting on a backpack for a human, saying it makes little difference for the 2,000-pound horses. Soendker gives the horse a loving scratch on the neck, causing Diesel to quiver on the lips, indicating that the horse is having fun.

In a historical context, Budweiser commemorated the end of Prohibition in 1933 by sending a team of six Clydesdales to parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, delivering a case of beer to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Their inaugural Super Bowl commercial appearance decades later, precisely in 1975. This year’s commercial, titled “A Clydesdale’s Journey,” was helmed by Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao. The ad, a sweeping cinematic narrative, portrays an injured horse overcoming adversity, symbolizing resilience and serving as a metaphor for the collective challenges endured over the past two years.

However, commercials constitute just a fraction of a Budweiser Clydesdale’s responsibilities. These remarkable animals are frequently on the move, dedicating approximately 300 days a year to visiting wholesalers and participating in public events. On an upcoming Friday, they plan to make a notable stop at Inglewood City Hall, offering the public a chance to see them between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Ensuring the Clydesdales are primed for these appearances is a dedicated team, including individuals like Morghan Sonderer. With a background in horsemanship, Sonderer spends hours daily, up to six hours at times, meticulously grooming the Clydesdales to perfection. She finds immense joy in witnessing the genuine excitement people experience when they encounter these iconic horses face-to-face.

To sum up, the Budweiser Clydesdales’ comeback to the forefront during this year’s Super Bowl is more than simply a commercial; it’s a celebration of resiliency for both humans and these magnificent creatures, signifying our combined power in the face of adversity. With their legendary presence and rich history, the Budweiser Clydesdales never fail to enthrall audiences and serve as a constant reminder of the strength of tradition, camaraderie, and the capacity to overcome adversity.

As they make their way to public appearances, visiting cities and captivating hearts, the Clydesdales, groomed to perfection by dedicated handlers like Morghan Sonderer, bring joy and wonder wherever they go. Their presence not only harks back to the end of Prohibition but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and the indomitable will to overcome. So, as these gentle giants parade through city streets, they carry with them not just the Budweiser legacy, but also a symbol of hope and inspiration, reminding us all of the strength found in unity and perseverance.

Also to read: Budweiser Clydesdale ads bring magic in the Horse world