These beautiful Scottish horses will be appearing all 10 days at the 2010 Stanislaus County Fair. The Clydesdales made their first appearance in Turlock at the 2008 Stanislaus County Fair and became a popular attraction for people to watch. The Clydesdales will be available for viewing every day and will also be participating in a parade and/or other events depending on the day. During the parade(s) the Clydesdales will be pulling a red, white and gold beer wagon.
“The Clydesdales are an American tradition,” said Stanislaus County Fair CEO Chris Borovansky. “We are extremely proud and excited to have them at the Fair this year.”
The Clydesdale breed began early in the 19th century along the River Clyde in Lanarkshire, Scotland. This area is known for the rich soil and abundant crops. The farmers were in great need of strong horses for hauling, plowing and carting all necessary farm equipment and workers. Six Great Flemish Horses were imported and the Clydesdale breed was born. The breed was originally known as the “Clydesman’s horse” and eventually became “Clydesdale.” The breed quickly gained attention as a breed more powerful than any other breed available before.
The average Clydesdale stands at 18 hands high (about six feet) at shoulder when they fully mature and weigh approximately 2,000 pounds. They must be geldings, bay in color, have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face and a black mane and tail. In two daily meals, a Budweiser Clydesdale hitch horse will consume 20 to 25 quarts of feed, 50 to 60 pounds of hay and up to 30 gallons of water.
The Clydesdales travel to hundreds of appearances each year throughout North America to meet cheering crowds and happy faces. Whether they are seen in Iowa, Texas or California, Clydesdales are always a crowd pleaser. The Clydesdales hitches travel around 100,000 miles per year.
The 2010 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 16 for a 10-day run. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands and FoodMaxx Arena motorsports tickets are now on sale. Visit the Fair’s website for detailed ticket sale information at www.stancofair.com. The 2010 Fair theme is “Flavors of the Valley.” The theme will highlight food and beverage products that are processed in the Central Valley. The 2010 Fair will also feature the highly popular Rainforest Adventure, sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation, which debuted in 2009. Also planned for 2010 are 10 nights of free celebrity concerts included with admission, a total of five stages of live entertainment, upwards of 30,000 local exhibits and over 1,750 animals.
