MNN - Mother Nature Network

As is tradition for Anheuser-Busch, one of its Budweiser commercials featuring the iconic Clydesdale horses will be shown during Sunday's Super Bowl. And this year, a newborn foal, only 7 days old at the time of filming, will hit the stage in front of an estimated 100 million viewers. 

 

Budweiser does not yet have a name for the foal — a marketing move that encourages people to offer up suggestions over social media — but there's no denying that the little Clydesdale will make an impact. 

 

The 60-second ad (see below) chronicles the heart-warming relationship between a foal and his trainer, leading up to the moment that the two part ways and the horse goes on to represent Budweiser at various events around the country. 

 

"People love the Clydesdales and they are a symbol," said Rob McCarthy, vice president of Budweiser, told Nightline. "They are the symbol of Budweiser, and they are the symbol of the company and, to many people, a symbol of the country. The spirit, the freedom of America is embodied in these majestic Clydesdales, and we are just so lucky to have them be recognized as part of Budweiser."

 

 

The beer maker actually runs a multi-million dollar operation that breeds, feeds and trains the horses — an estimated 175 of them around the country. "We have very, very stringent requirements to be a Budweiser Clydesdale," says operations manager Jeff Knapper. "They must have a white blaze, a black mane and tail ... and four white, stocking feet."

 

This year's Super Bowl ad marks the 125th time Cyldesdales have been featured in a Budweiser ad. Check it out below. Oh ... and have some tissues handy.