At the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo on February 9, spectators were left in shock when a team of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales got tangled up and fell to the ground.
The video of the harrowing incident shows the team of horses taking off in front of the crowd and then suddenly tripping, causing the massive animals to tumble to the ground.
A group of officials and trainers were quick to rush to the horses’ aide, frantically checking for injuries. The announcer kept up a running commentary of the suspenseful situation, noting that in the rodeo business, “when you’re working with animals, you never know what can happen.”
The workers were able to successfully untangle the horses, and when the animal attempted to rise to its feet, the crowd cheered their encouragement. After a few minutes of hard work, the horse was freed from the pack and its heavy harness and managed to regain its footing.
Following the incident, animal welfare organizations criticized Budweiser for using tight-fitting harnesses during horse shows and for removing the horses’ tailbones.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) noted that investigators had gone to the official breeding facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales and found that Anheuser-Busch Companies LLC, which produces Budweiser beer, amputates the tailbones of the Clydesdales, primarily so they’ll look a certain way as they pull the wagon.
PETA noted that 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 is running from February 9 to February 26 and the Budweiser Clydesdales have become an iconic part of the event, appearing in the company’s annual Super Bowl commercials.
While the incident at the rodeo has raised questions about the company’s practices, the well-being of the horses is still a top priority. The announcer reassured the crowd that the Budweiser Clydesdales have an animal care unit that can transport any livestock, even a 2,000-pound bull.
