It had been almost two years since the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales appeared at the Shell Factory.
But thousands came last Friday to see the beautiful horses prance and pull their famed wagon through the center parking lot and take pictures with the majestic equines.
It was a challenge to find a place for people to park as the 10 horses came in three large trucks and arrived at their appointed 2 p.m. arrival.
Anne Sheridan, general manager of the Shell Factory, said she was happy to get the horses back and the crowds which parked up and down but Old 41 and New 41.
“They’ve been coming since 11 a.m. and they knew to get here early so they can park,” Sheridan said. “We sell the most beer in Lee County and we have the venue for them. If you’re a small place, you won’t have the room.”
The horses appeared three straight years during the late winter, which had been a dream that late owner Tom Cronin, but he died before he was able to see that dream come to fruition in 2018.
The horses came in March 2020 just under the wire before COVID shut everything down. The pandemic kept the horses away for more than 21 months before returning to Southwest Florida this week, visiting Punta Gorda for the first time the day before coming here.
Dave Thomas, supervisor for this group of horses, said there are three groups of horses that are on the road 10 months out of the year, appearing all over the country.
“We work with our Budweiser wholesalers and that’s how we decide where we’re going to make our appearances,” Thomas said. “We bring 10 horses with us, but only use eight. Even horses need a day off.”
The horses have to look almost identical, stand about 18 to 19 hands tall and weigh at or close to a ton. The horses train for three to four years before they go on the road, which is between 280 and 330 days a year. A horse stays on the road for 10 years before they are retired to pasture.
The horses need to be able to take all the attention they get in stride as they are constantly photographed by people taking selfies.
Fans of the horses were thrilled to see them. Mary Raymond, who recently moved here from Illinois to live with her mother, said this was her first time seeing them.
“They are beautiful animals and I’m excited to be here and see them. I wanted to bring my mom to see them and myself, too,” Raymond said.
Cierra Elston went to see the Clydesdales for the third time with her mother, Grace.
“I’ve always loved horses. We rescue animals and we had horses when I was younger, so I love to see the horses,” Cierra said. “I love their markings and I love draft horses because they’re so big and beautiful.”
“They’re majestic, including in the commercials. They make you cry,” Grace said.
