The First Horse I Ever Sat on was a Clydesdale!
@DeborahDiane (40054)
Laguna Woods, California
March 22, 2018 8:27pm CST
When I was a young child growing up in St. Louis, Budweiser still kept their famous Clydesdale horses in stables next to their brewery. My father knew the man who was in charge of the horses, and he would take me to visit them.
When I was about 4 years old, my father picked me up and sat me on the back of one of the Clydesdales. I remember looking down at my dad who seem sooooo far below me!
I was terrified!!
They lead me around and I calmed down a bit, but I still remember how scary it seemed to me, even though the horse was very calm and gentle.
I still have a soft spot in my heart whenever I see the Budweiser ads with the Clydesdale horses. It is always my favorite part of Superbowl Sunday, because they usually release a new ad!
It still amazes me that the first horse I sat on was not a pony, but a Clydesdale!
What favorite childhood memories are still meaningful to you?
21 people like this
21 responses
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
23 Mar 18
you were the first mylotter i thought of as soon as i read the title!
6 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
23 Mar 18
@JudyEv because i know your passion for horses 
5 people like this
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
23 Mar 18
Horses, horses, horses, always horses. While we love our other "pets" the horses give us the most enjoyment and always have.
7 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@PatZAnthony - Yes, there is something special about our bond with horses. We have had dogs, cats and other pets over the years who meant a lot to us, but our horse experiences were always special.
3 people like this
@crossbones27 (48417)
• Mojave, California
23 Mar 18
Neat story and those horses are huge. Pretty sure it is my favorite type of horse. Seem smarter than the average bear as far as horses go.
5 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@crossbones27 - I agree they seem pretty smart. I just remember how gentle they were, despite their enormous size. I loved going to the stables when my Dad went to see his friend.
4 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
23 Mar 18
i've never been on a horse, but yes, i remember those commercials were shown here, too, and how pretty the horses were.
5 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
7 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane we always look for the commercials during the superbowl..
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
8 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane I remember going to a local fair and there were a lot of them in one tent. I spent about an hour just watching them. They are just such a beautiful animal. And so big.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@hereandthere - Those Budweiser commercials with the Clydesdales have been good for the company around the world.
4 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95136)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Mar 18
Thats the one breed of horse I still want to own. I have had Arabians, quarter horses, tennessee walkers, and appaloosas. Still have not managed to get a clydesdale. You are very lucky to have been able to see them regular.
4 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95136)
• Marion, Ohio
19 Apr 18
@ramapo17 Not really when I grew up with them around and only had about 3 years without any when I first got married
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@wolfgirl569 - How wonderful that you have enjoyed such a variety of horses!
2 people like this
@sallypup (57858)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Mar 18
Lucky you. When I was a toddler my Dad and his brother Dan logged the back of our farm with a work horse. They put me up on that big horse's back. I guess I managed to fall off but am still here. This is a family story, not something that I remember.
6 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@sallypup - Falling off must have been traumatic. Even if you could remember it, you probably wouldn't want to! LOL
7 people like this
@sallypup (57858)
• Centralia, Washington
23 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane Those were good farm days.
5 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
19 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane When we were younger we thought people our ages were very old. Hahaha, now I am just shocked I can still see me in the mirror.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
20 Apr 18
@ramapo17 - Yes, I can remember thinking that people in their 60s were very old. In fact, in our 30s, my husband and I moved next door to a couple in their 50s and I would tell my friends about the "sweet, old couple next door." I cringe when I think of that now!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@jstory07 - I'm almost 70 and I still go riding several times a month. Of course, when I was young I could not imagine I would still be riding at my age. I so enjoy being around these magnificent animals!
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458008)
• Switzerland
24 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane I was so scared that I did not want to repeat the experience.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@LadyDuck - Isn't it amazing how many people can remember their first experience on a horse? Something about horses really make an impact on us.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Mar 18
@LadyDuck - I can completely understand. I always felt that riding gave our daughters confidence. Just the fact that they could order around a 1200 pound animal made they feel confident.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (118435)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Mar 18
The first horse I ever rode was the kind where you put the quarter in the slot and go around in circles in front of the supermarket! lol
But that's pretty cool that you got to ride a Clydesdale! And not just any Clydesdale, but a Budweiser one!
3 people like this
@moffittjc (118435)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane You and your daughters were really lucky that you weren't seriously injured from being thrown for those horses!
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Mar 18
@moffittjc - Yes, I've always had a fondness for Budweiser, my entire life! I've ridden a few of those that required a quarter in the slot when I was little, too! LOL
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Mar 18
@moffittjc - I have actually been thrown a couple of times. Our daughters were thrown more times than I can count. Believe it or not, horses are usually pretty adept at not stepping on their riders after they send them flying! LOL 
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@TheHorse - What a wonderful memory with your Auntie! I love that. My husband has done similar things with our grandchildren. I wonderful if that will be a special memory for them when they are older!
3 people like this
@TheHorse (205716)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane My hunch would be "yes." And they might do the same for their Grandkids.
3 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
7 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane Do you own horses now?
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Apr 18
@ramapo17 - It was a very awesome experience, especially since I was so young. I love horses, still, and enjoy seeing the Clydesdales.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
7 Apr 18
@ramapo17 - No, although our retirement community allows us to own our own horses. However, we have owned six horses over the years when our kids were growing up and I know how much work and expense they can be. I am content to use the horses owned by our retirement community when I want to ride. It is so nice not to have to worry about vet bills, injuries, shodding and everything else, while still having the opportunity to ride regularly. One of the reasons we picked this retirement community was so I could go horseback riding while my husband plays golf. It's a win-win for both of us! In our community, it costs him about $6 to play six holes of golf, and $6 for me to go on a one-hour trail ride or take a lesson. Those prices are hard to beat!
2 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
24 Mar 18
We have many Clydesdales in an adjacent town, but never rode one. My favorite childhood memory was spending weekends at my grandmother's mansion on the beach. It was such a large and beautifully kept home. Our lunches were always a treat, since she always took me to the most fabulous restaurants and taught me ladylike manners. lol
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Mar 18
@DianneN - I can see why those would be favorite memories. Children love to be treated like adults, and they learn early that manners are important!
3 people like this
@DianneN (246720)
• United States
25 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane Exactly! It's a shame that not all children learn manners and respect for others.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
24 Mar 18
@just4him - I'm glad you have good memories with those grandparents, then. We all need to know that we were loved.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@just4him - I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you find some good memories from your youth you can cling to.
3 people like this
@just4him (306113)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
24 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane The ones that matter involve my grandparents on my father's side.
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (34356)
•
5 Apr 18
I saw some Clydesdales at a function held by Budweiser one time. They are impressive in size 
3 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
19 Apr 18
They are great @dgobucks226 and they know they are great.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 Apr 18
Yes, they are impressive in size, but always seemed very gentle.
3 people like this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
26 Apr 18
CLYDESDALES ARE BEAUTIFHUL HORSES. NEVER GOTTEN TO RIDE ONE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE PETTED ONE BEFOORE
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
26 Apr 18
@KrauseHome - I never have been able to ride one since I was a little girl, but I'm glad I had the chance when I did!
@popciclecold (35084)
• United States
27 May 18
I am surprised too, they are huge.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May 18
Yes, they are huge horses. It was a memory I will never forget!
2 people like this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
23 Mar 18
never ridden on a horse.. but have ridden on a water buffalo when I was a kid. ahhh yeah without a saddle 
3 people like this
@Mavic123456 (21898)
• Thailand
24 Mar 18
@DeborahDiane yup and painful also. hahaha but yeah it was.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Mar 18
@Mavic123456 - Wow! Riding a water buffalo would be an amazing experience! Very cool memory!
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
25 Mar 18
That is a lot of horse to sit on as a four year old! One of my favorite memories is when my dad would come to get me after the school year was over and I would go to west Texas to sort of run wild all summer.
3 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
19 Apr 18
@JamesHxstatic I am sure you had a great time and your dad did to watching you.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
25 Mar 18
@JamesHxstatic - That's a great memory! I'm sure you loved the experience in West Texas. A friend of mine grew up in Graham, Texas. When she retired, that is where she returned. In many ways, it is still the same as it was when she was a child.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (129453)
• Israel
28 May 18
@DeborahDiane
That must have been very scary being so young up there on the horse not knowing if he will take you away fast or just be kind and gentle to you.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
29 May 18
@Hannihar - You know, I think you must be right! It could probably tell it had a very young child on its back, so it was careful with me.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
28 May 18
@Hannihar - Yes, I remember being scared. However, the horse was very gentle.
2 people like this
@Hannihar (129453)
• Israel
29 May 18
@DeborahDiane
I bet the horse felt how you felt and wanted to be kind to you to give you a good feeling.
2 people like this
@anamika161088 (11868)
• India
4 Jun 18
I used to act as I am suffering from ache to get out of school so that I can stay home to play.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40054)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 Jun 18
Ha ha! I am sure many children have pretended to be sick to avoid school!
1 person likes this
@anamika161088 (11868)
• India
4 Jun 18
@DeborahDiane Yes mostly all students do it during school days. I was one at the top. And now I miss those old days.
1 person likes this
