The famous Budweiser Clydesdales made their Super Bowl commercial debut nearly 30 years ago. Today, their ads are some of the most highly anticipated. Whether the Clydesdales are playing football in a field or engaging in a snowball fight, there is a ton of training that makes these majestic horses so camera-ready.
You’re about to get a rare, behind-the-scenes look into these amazing commercials. You’ll also meet the man behind the magic — Robin Wiltshire, horse trainer extraordinaire.
Robin and Kate Wiltshire raise their array of animals on Turtle Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. For Robin, horse training is not just about camera tricks or paychecks, but it’s a way of life. The Australian-born trainer uses a reward-based system, giving the horses plenty of love and praise for their hard work. He doesn’t rush his training, he rewards the horses, and he puts deliberate thought behind each and every move. The Clydesdales’ success is attributed to how well they get to know Robin and the fact he helps keep them so calm and eager to please.
After the editing, special effects, and color corrections are complete, watching the commercials on TV is even more amazing when you know the animals are treated so wonderfully by a man who truly cares about them.