World-famous Budweiser Clydesdales strut at the Goshen Historic Track

The Budweiser Clydesdales have been the traditional symbol of Anheuser-Busch since 1933. The eight-horse hitch was harnessed to the famous red beer wagon for a visit to the Goshen Historic Track, courtesy of Dana Distributors of Goshen. The visit is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the hitch must be at least three years old, stand approximately six feet at the shoulder, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, 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. Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. (Photo by Ginny Privitar)