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AQHA Family Adopts Retired Budweiser Clydesdale

For the love of horses. That’s why we do what we do. A true horseman knows how to appreciate a great horse no matter their breed or the discipline in which they show. AQHA members and exhibitors, Wes and Dana Wetherell, of Purcell, Oklahoma have been fans of the Budweiser Clydesdales for years and just recently, their dream of owning one came true.

Wes and Dana saw the Budweiser horses performing 15 years ago at the San Antonio Stock Show. They watched grooms prepare the animals for hours before the parade each day. Then 11 years later, they saw the horses again at a show at which they were competing. This time, the Budweiser group was laying over during travel. Laughing, Dana says they waited and waited for them to unload the horses and once they did, they surrounded them in awe like they had never seen one before.

“We have both always loved the size and impeccable temperaments of the Clydesdale. Wes has had a Clydesdale calendar hanging in his office for years and we always talked about how neat it would be to have one but had no idea how that dream would ever actually become a reality,” says Dana.

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wm.mailanyoneThe process of the Wetherell’s adopting a Clydesdale was not a quick or easy one. “Through showing Quarter Horses, I’m fortunate enough to know Michelle Speck who works at Grants Farm where many retired Clydesdales are kept. I told her I was interested in a retired hitch horse way back in 2013 and she said she would keep me in mind if something came available,” Dana explained. Twice in the past two years, Dana thought she might get one, but it never worked out. Then things turned around this past November.

“The herd manager for Anheuser-Busch contacted me and I went through an interview process with him. There is also a contract that was involved with the adoption. I had to show that we have the proper facility and knowledge to care for the horse and fortunately, our farrier, Mark Milster, has vast experience and expertise in shoeing heavy horses. Under the contract, the horse can’t be sold, donated, or loaned to anyone else. He also cannot be sent to slaughter, be exhibited, be displayed as a Budweiser Clydesdale (as that is a trademark of Anheuser-Busch), or be used for commercial or promotional purposes in any way. And he must remain in our care for the remainder of his natural life.”

wm.mailanyone-6The Wetherell’s new yard art, affectionately known as Drew, is a ten-year-old retired hitch horse that was bred and raised by Anheuser-Busch. Standing at over 18 hands tall and weighing 2,164 pounds, Dana says that Drew is like a big dog that has a love for people and attention.

“He greets everyone who comes to visit and is convinced that everyone is there to see him, which is true. He knows his name and comes trotting up when you call him. He is a sucker for treats and loves being scratched. He hugs you with his head to keep your attention and he will trade hugs for scratches anytime.”

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Dana expressed that the decision to adopt a Clydesdale was not something she and Wes took lightly. “Committing to feeding and caring for a large horse for the next 10 to 15 plus years was not something we entered into without a lot of thought. It is a significant financial and time commitment, but one we ultimately decided we were prepared to make. We have a lot of pasture space here and plenty of large stalls. We also have a retired cow horse that belongs to Wes’ granddaughter and they are making excellent pasture buddies and we can see their pasture from the house.”

Not only is Drew hitch broke, he is also broke to ride. Dana says they will probably ride him around bareback for fun around the farm, but there are no plans to drive Drew or make him do anything in his future but just eat and be happy. “We think it is a privilege and an honor to be a part of this guy’s life. I don’t believe we will ever get used to his size and majestic presence.”

wm.mailanyone-4Purcell, Oklahoma, the location of Wes Wetherell Quarter Horses since 1984, is now Drew’s forever home. Wes focuses on the younger horses, western pleasure, and all-around with clients. Aside from the training business, Wes also has a hay and shavings business.

Dana showed the all-around for many years and in 2014, she won the NSBA World Championship in Amateur Horsemanship (pictured right). She sold her horse in April of 2016 and was horseless until Drew.

“We wanted a retired Budweiser hitch horse because we respect the history of the hitch. Budweiser used to have six hitches but now only has three. We feel it’s important to preserve the heritage of not only the Clydesdale but the impact the hitches have had in America. They are the most majestic creatures. When Drew gallops, you can feel the ground shake. They are icons. Drew is a constant reminder to us how lucky we are to be blessed with horses in our lives.”

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Congratulations Wes and Dana on a dream come true. We hope you get to enjoy Drew’s beauty and history for many years to come.

Photos © Larry Williams, Dana Wetherell

View the slideshow of more great pictures of Drew courtesy of Dana Wetherell:

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