Photo Contest
If you have images of the Budweiser Clydesdales from their visit July 24, 2007, upload them on www.flickr.com/groups/mackinacislandbudweiserclydesdales and be entered to win an Island getaway during the 2008 season.

Press Release
Budweiser Clydesdales visit Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island, MI- Anheuser Busch’s internationally recognized symbol of quality and tradition since 1933, The Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to appear at 6pm for a parade down Main Street on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 in a place known for their horses, Mackinac Island.

The full eight-horse hitch will join the over 600 horses that live on Mackinac Island for the afternoon. A short parade is scheduled down Main Street in the late afternoon. “Everyone on Mackinac is very excited to have the Clydesdales join us here on the Island. They are such gentle giants and impressive animals that have become an American icon,” shares Mary McGuire Slevin, executive director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. She adds,“we are pleased that the horses will be in the straits area throughout the week as a part of the celebration of the 50 th Anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge and fortunate that they will visit Mackinac Island.”

The eight-horse hitch pulls the almost 4 ton Budweiser Brewery Wagon in tow. The wagon is accompanied by a Dalmatian dog, which generally is seated next to the driver atop the wagon’s load. The Dalmatian, once known as the “coach dog” has a history of being a companion to horses and was also trained to protect the horses and the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

The Clydesdales descended from Scotland and were introduced to North America in 1842. They are bred for their strength and were commonly used for heavy pulling and delivery before the age of the automobile. The Clydesdales’ appearance on Mackinac Island is one of 300 made annually by five traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in mid 1800’s. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show.

In order to be selected for the Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch, horses must meet certain characteristics including: an age of at least three years, a height of at least 6 feet at the shoulder, and an average weight of about 2000 pounds. A single horse can consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day which is similar to what each draft horse on Mackinac Island consumes each day.

About Mackinac Island:
Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark located between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas and covers 2200 acres of land. The Island banned private motor vehicle use during the last century and today relies on the services of over 600 horses to provide residents and visitors navigation around the Island. Mackinac hosts more than 1 million visitors each year and is home to the Lilac Festival, Chicago to Mackinac Boat Race, Fudge Festival and the Zoo-De-Mackinac Bike Race.