The symbol of the Anheuser-Busch brewing company is the image of draft horses pulling the beer wagons. These horses originated in Scotland. What kind of horses are they?

The majestic horses synonymous with the Anheuser-Busch brand are the famous Clydesdales. This powerful draft breed originated in Scotland during the 18th century, taking its name from the River Clyde, which flows through the farmlands of Lanarkshire. Originally bred for heavy agricultural work and hauling coal, their immense strength and calm temperament made them ideal for pulling wagons laden with goods, a historical role they now famously reenact.

The brewery's association with the breed began as a heartfelt gift in 1933. To celebrate the repeal of Prohibition, August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised their father with a six-horse hitch of Clydesdales pulling a red beer wagon. The gesture was an immediate public relations sensation, and the horses quickly became a beloved and enduring symbol of the company's heritage and tradition.

Today, these gentle giants serve as traveling ambassadors for the brand. To qualify for one of the famous hitches, a horse must meet strict requirements for size, color, and markings, including the breed's signature white "feathering" around its hooves. From parades to iconic Super Bowl commercials, the Clydesdales have become a cherished piece of Americana, representing a legacy that began on the farms of Scotland.