Like Budweiser Beer in the U.S., Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) in Australia also has a famous team of Clydesdale horses. However, after 65 years this team of drafts are being retired. Three of the six horse team are older and their trainer for the past 34 years, Glen Pate, is retiring. Given the flux of retirements, the company made the decision to end the tradition entirely.

“With the retirement of Clydesdales Murphy and Harro, and in the near future Andy, CUB has decided that now is the right time for the Carlton Draught Clydesdales program to finish,” said CUB corporate affairs manager, Sabine Wolff.

CUB senior teamster, Scott Goodall, with the final six Clydesdales; Murphy, Jenry, Al, Parker, Hamish and Andy. Photo Credit: Nicole Cleary

Clydesdales were originally used for transporting beer. Replaced by automation, the team was used for promotional work, stewards representing the company at events around the country. One of the horses, Murphy, has travelled to every state in Australia.

“There are some very sad people around here. Everyone loves them because they are such beautiful and sweet natured animals,” Wolff said.

Members of the CUB Clydesdales team in Melbourne are working to rehome each horse with an appropriate, caring family.

Meanwhile in the US, the Budweiser Clydesdales are in full foal mode at Warm Springs Ranch, Booneville, MO. Seven foals have been born so far this spring with 14 more to go. The ranch gives guided tours twice a day (except Wednesday).

Budweiser Clydesdale foals. Photo credit: Warm Spring Ranch