During a second attempt, the massive horse managed to regain its footing after the handler removed the heavy harness from the horse. Once the horse rose up, the animal received a thunderous applause from the audience.
“He is going to totally examine that animal,” the announcer shared. “They will look over the rest of them that were in that hitch as well. They are beautiful.”
Following the debacle, animals welfare organizations criticized the beer company for using tight-fitting harnesses during horse shows and removing the horse’s tailbone.
According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), investigators went to the official breeding facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales.
“We uncovered that Anheuser-Busch Companies LLC, which produces Budweiser beer, amputates the tailbones of the famed Clydesdales—primarily so they’ll look a certain way as they pull the wagon.” PETA shared on its website.
Clydesdales use their tails for balance, mobility, and communication, PETA shared. The removal of the tailbone is prohibited in 10 U.S. states, unless medically necessary, and in several countries.
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo kicked off on Feb. 9 and runs through Feb. 26. The iconic Clydesdales have become synonymous with the Budweiser brand, including their annual Super Bowl commercials.

