Clydesdales will appear in Ocala for Live Oak International and the Horse Capital Parade.
Ocala, Florida—Eight majestic (and giant) horses and their historic red beer wagon will appear at Live Oak International and the Horse Capital Parade in Ocala the first week of March. Consumers can get up close and personal with the hitch team. This special appearance is made possible by Tri-Eagle Sales, the local Anheuser-Busch and beverage distributor for Ocala, Florida.
Live Oak International is the only international combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S. Now in its 30th year, Live Oak International attracts equestrian athletes and horses from more than 20 countries to Ocala each year to compete at this unique world-class event. “The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are iconic to the Budweiser brand, and showcasing them at Live Oak International complements the historic tradition of competitive horse riding. Witnessing the Clydesdales march is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any horse or beer lover,” says Brittany Foster, Marketing Director for Tri-Eagle Sales.
In addition to Live Oak International, the Budweiser Clydesdales will appear as the grand finale to the Horse Capital Parade in the downtown Ocala square on Saturday, March 7.
The Horse Capital Parade is hosted by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership and is presented by Live Oak International. “The horse industry has a huge impact on Ocala and the surrounding area, and we don’t believe there’s a better way to showcase this than with a parade of equine champions from a variety of breeds in the downtown streets of the Horse Capital. There is nothing more thrilling in the horse world than the Budweiser Clydesdales, so what a way to complete this equine showcase by watching these gentle and iconic giants grace our streets for the grand finale of the Horse Capital Parade, presented by Live Oak International,” says Louisa Barton, Director of Equine Engagement and Assistant Director of Business Attraction.
The world-famous Clydesdales will be presented on Friday, March 6, at 12:00 p.m. at Live Oak International. On Saturday, March 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon for the Horse Capital Parade in the downtown Ocala square. The Clydesdales will return for a final appearance at Live Oak International on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 p.m.
The appearance at Live Oak International and the Horse Capital Parade in Ocala is one of hundreds that the traveling hitches make annually. Today, these giant draft horses are primarily used for breeding and for show. The horses chosen to be the Budweiser Clydesdales must be at least four years old; stand approximately 18 hands (or six feet) at the shoulder; weigh an average of 2,000 pounds; be bay in color; and have four white legs, a blaze of white on the face, and a black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is also very important, as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.
Take this opportunity to enjoy the equine side of the Ocala community and join in the festivities at this year’s Live Oak International and the Horse Capital Parade. This Bud’s for you!