Budweiser Clydesdales to parade around the Jersey Shore this week

The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will parade around the Jersey Shore this week.

The “Gentle Giants,” as they are often referred to, will be making stops in Asbury Park, Belmar, Seaside Heights, and the Monmouth Park Racetrack. 

According to a release, Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to the United States in the mid-1800s. They were first introduced in 1933 after the repeal of Prohibition. 

Each eight-horse “hitch” pulls an iconic wagon and is accompanied by a dalmatian, which historically was trained to protect the wagon and horses when the rider entered an establishment to make a delivery. 

According to the release:

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, weigh an average of 2,000 pounds, must be bay in color, have four white legs and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year.

Here’s the schedule (click the links for details): 

Thursday in Asbury Park from 3 until 5 p.m. 
Friday in Belmar from 3 until 5 p.m.
Saturday at Monmouth Park Racetrack from 2 until 4 p.m.
Sunday in Seaside Heights from 3 until 5 p.m.