Clydesdales return to El Paseo head of Stagecoach Festival

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales returned to the El Paseo Shopping District on Wednesday, continuing a beloved tradition that has brought the iconic hitch to the avenue for years.

The Clydesdales unloaded and hitched at around 3:00 p.m. on the frontage road parallel to Highway 74, behind The Daily Grill. After, the team began their route eastbound along El Paseo, making special stops at select restaurants ahead of their appearance at the sold-out Stagecoach Country Music Festival.

The massive horses, each nearly one ton, stop traffic and turn heads as families and visitors lined the streets.

"I grew up with horses, but Clydesdales, they're like, you know, everybody knows the Clydesdales. They're just amazing. I'm excited," said Tana Park, a resident of Walla Walla, Washington.

Others told us it was their first time seeing the Clydesdales up close for the first time. 

A symbol of heritage, craftsmanship and American tradition, the Budweiser Clydesdales have been captivating audiences since 1933 when they were originally introduced to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition.

Each horse stands approximately six feet tall at the shoulder (18 hands), weighs close to a ton, and is carefully selected for its strength, temperament, and signature bay coloring with white markings.

The eight-horse hitch, polished brass harnesses, and classic red beer wagon create one of the most recognizable spectacles in the world.

Accompanying the hitch was the traditional Dalmatian “coach dog,” a historic nod to the breed’s role in guarding horse-drawn wagons dating back to the 1800s.

For more information about El Paseo Shopping District and upcoming events, visit http://www.ShopElPaseo.com.