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November 23, 2009

Finishing up a very wet summer and fall, Thanksgiving for skiing looks like it will happen, starting Friday at Killington Resort.

WORLD FAMOUS BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES TO APPEAR IN KILLINGTON Dec 9-13

Stables at Pickle Barrel Open for Public Viewing

Killington, VT - The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, are scheduled to appear December 9th through 13th in Killington as part of the town's holiday festivities. 

 The eight-horse Hitch and its famous red beer wagon will parade through Killington on Saturday beginning at 12 Noon, weather permitting.  The parade route begins at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub, where the horses will be stabled.  Weather will determine how far the hitch will proceed along the Killington Road.  In addition to the parade on Saturday, several one-horse shows may be scheduled at establishments throughout Killington during the weekend. 

The Clydesdales' appearance in Killington is one of 300 made annually by the five traveling hitches, and is part of the Anheuser-Busch and Farrell Distributing Company's commitment to the Killington area.  The Clydesdales' last appearance in the region was in 2006, and according to event promoter Chris Karr the experience left a positive impression.  "The Hitch crew had such a good time that they wanted to come back." 

 Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's.  Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. 

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 stockings, and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail.  A gentle temperament is very important, as hitch horses often meet millions of people each year.

 A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.

 Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian dog.  In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries.

 The public is invited to visit the Budweiser Clydesdales in their tent on Wednesday afternoon when they arrive, and from 10am to 4pm daily, Thursday through Sunday.  The tent will be located behind the Pickle Barrel Nightclub, midway up the Killington Road.  Hot chocolate will be available for the viewing public.  For more information, call the Killington Chamber of Commerce at (802) 773-4181, or the Pickle Barrel  at (802) 422-3035.      

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