The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is proud to announce the addition of the Budweiser Clydesdales to its extensive list of distinguished guests appearing at its 32nd annual Motorcycle and Music Festival. The world-renowned team of horses makes their grand entrance Tuesday, July 30 and remains stabled for public viewing at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip throughout the course of the 2013 Sturgis Rally.
The Budweiser Clydesdales unhitch at the CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip, a free entertainment attraction on the westernmost edge of the Sturgis campground. While most Americans will only get to see this elite team of horses on Budweiser commercials, guests at the CrossRoads get the unique opportunity to meet these gentle giants in the flesh, touch their noses and take their pictures.
“I didn’t comprehend the size and grandeur of these powerful creatures until I was standing right next to them,” says Rod Woodruff, president of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “Being in the presence of the Budweiser Clydesdales is truly a humbling experience and we’re pleased that Anheuser Bush has chosen to have the Clydesdales “camp out” at the Chip with the rest of our guests”
The Clydesdale originated from a Scottish horse used primarily for pulling heavy loads in the fields and at war. It’s ability to pull over a ton of cargo while walking nearly five miles per hour made the breed a natural choice for hauling beer back in the early days. The Budweiser Clydesdales were originally introduced in 1933 as a way to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. Since then the horses have become both an ambassador for Budweiser beer and a symbol of America’s prosperity and great industrial spirit.
Each year the small hand-selected group of Clydesdales travels throughout North America, and occasionally overseas, making appearances at events ranging from Main Street parades to the Sturgis Rally. In order to become one of the elite ten on Budweiser’s traveling team, the quintessential draft horses must undergo rigorous scrutiny. When fully mature, they must stand about six feet at the shoulder and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds. They must be geldings, bay in color, have four white legs, a blaze of white on the face and a black mane an tail—not to mention a gentle temperament.
The Budweiser Clydesdales are just one of the many free attractions available during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip’s CrossRoads. The Sturgis Buffalo Chip hosts an exciting array of concerts, exhibits and contests. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com or by calling (605) 347-9000.
