MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Budweiser Clydesdales will be participating in several events in the twin cities this week leading up to the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Feb. 15.The Clydesdales are requested all around the country and come to our area once every eight or nine years.“Each event is really cool, we definitely cherish that Mardi Gras season for us and you guys are the ones this year. So I mean, congratulations, West Monroe. We’re here and come on out. Live it up,” Budweiser Clydesdale Ha...
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Budweiser Clydesdales will be participating in several events in the twin cities this week leading up to the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, Feb. 15.
The Clydesdales are requested all around the country and come to our area once every eight or nine years.
“Each event is really cool, we definitely cherish that Mardi Gras season for us and you guys are the ones this year. So I mean, congratulations, West Monroe. We’re here and come on out. Live it up,” Budweiser Clydesdale Handler Alec Smith said.
When they do come, they bring 10 Clydesdales with them, eight participate in events and two are used as alternates.
They are currently staying at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, and they require a lot of upkeep.
“Normally our boys, they eat roughly about 30 to 60 pounds of hay a day. Again, each horse has their own special diet. And the water, I mean, if you’re gonna own a horse, especially one of these guys, let me tell you, your water bills will be crazy. Average about 30 gallons of water per horse per day. All of our horses, they get a daily grooming. It doesn’t really matter if it’s a wet bath dry bath. It needs to be. Their skin is always exfoliated. Their legs are always going to be as white as possible,” Smith said.
The public is also invited to view the Clydesdales at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center. The first viewing is Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the second is Thursday, Feb. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“You can come check them out in the stalls and again, hopefully the weather will participate with us on Saturday, and they’ll be ready for the Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras parade,” Director of Marketing at Marsala Beverage, Tyler Flemister said.
They will also be making deliveries in West Monroe’s Restaurant Row on Constitution Drive on Friday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Clydesdale’s participation in all events, including the parade are dependent on the weather.
“Our horses can possibly slip and fall on that wet asphalt. So if there is any chances of precipitation or flooding at all, we do not participate in those events, unfortunately,” Smith said.
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