Budweiser Clydesdale Farm to Open to Public on April 1

Do you love the Budweiser Clydesdales commercials? With the Warn Springs Ranch in Missouri opening soon, you can meet them up close-even newborns.

According to Jeff Knapper, general manager for Clydesdale operations for Anheuser-Busch, 17 baby Clydesdales have already been born this season at the Clydesdale breeding farm which is home to roughly 100 Budweiser Clydesdales. Even Hope, who starred in Budweiser's award-winning and top-ranked Super Bowl commercial, is there.

The farm is opening to the public with tours starting Monday, April 1. The ranch remains open until October 31.

Spring means the return of baseball and, in just a few days, opening day celebrations around the United States. It also marks another annual event celebrated by fans of the Budweiser Clydesdales - "opening day" at Warm Springs Ranch in mid-Missouri for public tours, where more than 35 baby Clydesdales are expected to be born in 2013.

"Some tour dates, particularly Saturdays in the spring, already are sold out," Knapper said. "On some other days there is limited availability. The popularity of the Super Bowl spot has certainly piqued the public's curiosity around the training of Budweiser Clydesdales and how they spend their early years."

The tours are offered twice daily every day except Wednesdays. It cost $10 per person and lasts for an hour and a half.

This year the ranch is offering a special VIP tour. On this tour, guests climb aboard a custom-built vehicle to enjoy a private excursion on the 300-plus acres and talk with Clydesdale handlers. They also get to spend time in the pastures with the Clydesdals and can have Budweiser samples and a photo opportunity with one of the horses. This VIP tour costs $500 and is made for up to 16 guests per day.

The ranch is also celebrating a special occasion soon. On April 7, the Clydesdales will celebrate their 80^th anniversary with Anheuser-Busch.

To reserve a tour spot (reservations are required) or for more information, visit www.warmspringsranch.com.