By Judy Heinrich

 

The world-famous eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale hitch will make a special appearance in Landrum on Wednesday, April 29,as part of a “Week of the Horse” celebration leading up to the 69^th running of the Block House Steeplechase on Saturday, May 2, at FENCE.

The Budweiser Clydesdales make hundreds of appearances a year but not usually in a town of Landrum’s size. Their visit here was the brainchild of Patty Otto, owner of The Hare & Hound Restaurant in Landrum, who was able to organize the visit with the help of area distributor Budweiser of Spartanburg.

The Clydesdales will be on North Trade Street in Landrum starting at 5 p.m., available for viewing and visits from the public. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and feature, in addition to the Clydesdale hitch, members of local military groups and representatives of other horse breeds from the area. Groups of dramatic black Friesians, lively gaited Paso Finos and mini-donkeys pulling carts, among other equines, will appear.

The parade and additional “Week of the Horse” activities are being coordinated by the City of Landrum, the Landrum Area Business Association, The Hare & Hound Restaurant and the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, which has hosted the annual Block House Steeplechase every year since 1947.

Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age, stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder, and weigh an average of 2,000 pounds. They must be bay in color, have a blaze of white on the face, and have four white legs and a black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

Each Budweiser hitch travels with a Dalmatian, a tradition that dates back to the early days of brewing, when the dogs were trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon while the driver was inside making deliveries.