PetSugar

Quiz: Do You Have Any Horse Sense?

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:30:48 -0700

Wild horses couldn't drag me away from sharing another idiom quiz – do you think you have horse sense (hint: it's a good thing)? Test yourself in this quiz.

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What's Your Take: Alec Vs. Liam in the Proposed Carriage Ban?

PetSugar — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:30:14 -0800

If you've ever been to (or lived in) New York, chances are you've seen a horse drawn carriage in Central Park or the line of horses waiting outside the south side of this landmark – they've been around for over a century. Well, if you live there still, you may also be familiar with the proposed bill to ban the horse carriage business in the city. Many people have strong opinions about their presence – and appropriateness – with some celebrities getting in on the conversation, too. In June, Alec Baldwin mentioned these horses (while hosting a PETA event), saying he believes they should be banned from the Big Apple because of the "traffic related stress" adding:

I don’t have a problem with the carriage trade. If they remove all the cars in Manhattan, and build a farm with an acre of land for each horse to graze, I will invest my own money. Passions run high in this issue… It’s loud and vulgar because they know they are wrong.

Then, just last week, actor Liam Neeson wrote an open letter to the City Council disagreeing with the proposed ban. Neeson writes:

As a proud New York resident, I have personally enjoyed the beauty of Central Park on a daily basis for many years, and these horses are an undeniable integral part of that experience. The notion that a well-nourished horse pulling a carriage through Central Park is considered cruelty may fit in with animal activists' extremist view, but not with the rest of us. Surely we have a responsibility to protect commerce, especially one with such history, and one I truly feel helps define this city. May pragmatism prevail.

What's your take on this matter?
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Story Behind the Scenes: Clydesdales and Dalmatians

PetSugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:30:38 -0800

Dogs and horses, I'm sold! Of all the Super Bowl hits and misses, I've gotta say that the Budweiser commercial of a horse with a dream topped my list. Off the bat, I love checking out these horses and their doggie pals - did you know that the Dalmatian was introduced to the traditional Budweiser Clydesdale procession on Mar. 30, 1950 to celebrate the opening of the Newark brewery?! These companions to the hitch had a vital role during the early days of brewing, they were trained to protect the horses and guard the wagons while the drivers went in to make their deliveries. Nowadays, they typically ride shotgun, perched atop the wagon next to the driver anytime the Budweiser Clydesdales make a public appearance - each hitch, hamlet, and theme park usually has two Dalmatians each!

Curious to hear more (and see this year's commercial), then just read more.

According to Jim Poole, general manager for Clydesdale Operations, the dogs and horses have a strong bond as they are introduced (and obedience trained) since puppyhood . . . and often the pooches sleep in the stables at night, too! "People really love the Dalmatians," added Poole. "Along with the Clydesdales, they are another great tradition and symbol for Anheuser-Busch." It makes so much more sense why they chose this doggie to inspire Hank to get in shape and join the ranks of the famed Budweiser Clydesdales - the pony and pooch were probably already good pals!