.PatAndre

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One of the most notable aspects of the Budweiser Clydesdales is their esteemed drivers and their talented skills of navigating the team of eight Clydesdales. Driving the combined 12 tons of wagon and horses requires expert skill and physical strength. The 40 pounds of lines held by the driver plus the tension of the horses pulling, creates a weight of over 75 pounds. (On an 8 horse hitch, each hand of the driver holds four reins. You would think it would be 8 since each horse is supposed to have 2 reigns coming from it. Figure that one out. See picture). Hitch drivers endure a lengthy training process before they assume the prestigious role of Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch Driver. Located in Merrimack, New Hampshire, the driving school annually selects two handlers to go through the four-month program. Each Driver is instructed under on driving sets of four, six and finally eight Clydesdales. The drivers are educated on proper driving posture, how to hold and set lines, and how to fit and properly secure each harnessed horse to the wagon. They are also taught how to drive a team of eight Budweiser Clydesdales through obstacles and performing difficult maneuvers in both an open field and arena.