The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 2023 took an unexpected turn when a dramatic incident involving the famous Budweiser Clydesdales unfolded in front of a packed arena. During their ceremonial appearance, the iconic red Budweiser wagon, pulled by a team of eight powerful Clydesdale horses, was involved in a tense moment that left the audience gasping.
As the horses began their lap around the arena, a disturbance in the harness formation caused one of the animals to trip and fall. The rest of the team struggled to maintain formation, and the wagon’s motion faltered. Handlers immediately rushed in to calm the team and assist the fallen horse, working swiftly and professionally amid a visibly concerned crowd.
The image captured from the scene shows multiple handlers encircling the front of the team, working together to untangle the harnesses and assess the situation. The driver atop the wagon remained composed, maintaining control as chaos briefly unfolded below.
Fortunately, no severe injuries were reported. The horse that fell was able to stand up shortly after, aided by the handlers, and was led out of the arena for further evaluation by veterinary staff. The team behind the performance emphasized that the animals’ health and safety are their top priorities and confirmed all horses were doing well following the incident.
The crowd, initially silenced by the scare, later applauded the efforts of the Budweiser crew. The event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances involving animals and the importance of swift, trained response in ensuring everyone’s safety.