May 30, 2021

WARM SPRINGS RANCH

25270 MO-98, Boonville, MO 65233

I have loved the Budweiser Clydesdales since I was a child. I remember hanging pictures of artwork from a Budweiser calendar in my bedroom. My mother knew my fascination and cross-stitched a picture of the 8-horse hitch (which is hanging in my RV). In about 1978 she gave me my first Budweiser Clydesdale Christmas mug, and annually until she died gave me the newest mug as a Christmas present. After her passing I continued purchasing the mugs myself, and through flea markets and eBay obtained all of the mugs in the collection that were produced before 1978. When I sold my house to move into the RV, I gave my nephew Scott my entire collection of 40 mugs.

So, it only stands to reason, that I will take every opportunity to see the Clydesdales when I can.

Warm Springs Ranch is the official breeding and training facility for the Clydesdales. Built in 2008, the property features a mare/stallion and foaling barn, veterinary lab, and 10 pastures: each with a customized walk-in shelter. It is home to more than 70 Clydesdales ranging from foals to stallions.

During the hour-long walking tour we got to experience the breeding room, the examination room, the stallion/gelding stalls, the exercise paddocks, and the foaling stalls, as well as the rigs that haul the teams around as they tour the country.

Being a fan of the Clydesdales, I really enjoyed the tour. My only disappointment was not being able to see more of the Clydesdales out in the pasture (think you get that on the $500 tour, which wasn’t in my budget).

I’m looking forward to my next Budweiser Clydesdale experience.