Budweiser Clydesdales in Spokane for Lilac Parade
They were the stars of the show, but the 10 Budweiser Clydesdales dozing comfortably in their stalls seemed immune to the hubbub of the crowd that gathered late Wednesday afternoon to see them at the Spokane County Interstate Fairgrounds.
The horses, in town for an appearance at the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade on Saturday, were tired from a full day of exercise, grooming and interacting with fans.
Heather Isom brought two of her children to see the horses after she found information about their public viewing times online.
“It’s an American novelty and tradition to know about the Clydesdale horses,” she said. “We thought we’d come check them out. My daughter loves horses. She was so excited to come here.”
Isom also loves seeing the horses in the popular Budweiser commercials, which, she said, “embrace America.”
Several of the horses in Spokane this week have been in one or more of the commercials.
She said she plans to bring her family downtown on Saturday evening. “It will be fun to see them in the parade,” she said.
Shelby Zarobinski is one of seven handlers who travel with the horses 330 days of the year. She spends her days feeding, grooming, bathing and exercising the horses as well as talking to visitors. “It is my dream job,” she said.
Competition for the jobs working with the horses is fierce and Zarobinski applied multiple times before she was successful.
“We travel and get to see the country,” she said. “Just seeing the effects the horses have on the people is pretty spectacular.”
Clydesdales are known for their size, strength and mellow behavior. The handlers get to know each horse quite well during their time together.
“They’re kind of like another co-worker,” Zarobinski said. “They have their own personalities.”
Each horse must be a gelding, stand 18 hands (72 inches) high and weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds. They are required to have a bay coat with a blaze of white on the face and four white legs along with a black mane and tail.