Clydesdales comeback story
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
In the world of American football, few sights are as iconic as the Budweiser Clydesdales trotting onto the field during the Super Bowl. For 37 years, these majestic horses graced television screens, becoming a symbol of tradition and grandeur.
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.
The team currently in town for the major event comprises 10 Clydesdales, each of whom handler Lane Soendker knows by name. For instance, Diesel, one of the lead horses, is familiar to him. Soendker, in his role, not only grooms the horses but also manages their accessories, including a 10-pound leather, brass, and patent leather bridle. Cleaning all the rigging, which weighs around 135 pounds, is part of their weekly routine. According to Soendker, this weight is inconsequential for the 2,000-pound horses, akin to putting on a backpack for a human. In a display of affection, Soendker scratches the horse’s neck, eliciting a quiver in Diesel’s lips, a sign of the horse’s enjoyment.
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.
In conclusion, the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales to the spotlight during this year’s Super Bowl is not just a moment in advertising; it’s a celebration of resilience, both for these majestic animals and for us, reflecting the collective strength we’ve shown in the face of challenges. The Budweiser Clydesdales, with their rich history and iconic presence, continue to captivate audiences and remind us of the enduring power of tradition, unity, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
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 you can watch and read : Budweiser Clydesdales Bring Holiday Cheer in Iconic Christmas Advertisement
