It was all sunshine and smiles at the Brandywine Ace Pet and Farm store in Pocopson on Saturday, May 25.  Area residents awaited the arrival of a very special guest—one of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Shortly after 11 AM, the huge Budweiser horse trailer pulled into the front parking lot, the side door swung open, and out stepped Toby, a six-year-old Clydesdale horse.  After a few moments of primping and grooming by his handler, Toby was ready for his close-up.

Larry Drennen, who owns both the Brandywine store and Oxford Feed and Lumber with his brother Chris, explained how they were able to bring a Clydesdale to Pocopson.  

“Budweiser has several hitches around the country in different parts of the geography so horses don’t have to travel so far.  This hitch was booked by the West Chester Parade Committee,” he said.  On Thursday, May 24, West Chester featured a team of six Clydesdales hitched to the Budweiser wagon riding through the borough.  

Drennen explained that the Clydesdales are fed Purina feed, and Brandywine Ace is a Purina dealer—the second oldest in the nation.  Since the store is less than a 30-minute ride from a scheduled event, they could ask to have a horse make an appearance. “We found out about the parade a couple months back,” Drennen said, “And we started the process of asking and requesting if we could get it, and we got it!”

According to the Anheuser-Busch website, the first team of Clydesdales was a gift from August Busch Sr.’s two sons in 1933 to celebrate the end of Prohibition.  Since that time, these gentle giants have represented the company both nationally, like in the 2024 Super Bowl ad, and locally.  The Clydesdales made an appearance in front of Citizens Bank Park on May 23, West Chester borough the next day, and then at Brandywine Ace.

West Chester residents Cathy and Ken O’Brien were excited to bring their four grandchildren to the event.  It’s not every day that can one see a Clydesdale, never mind have the opportunity to pet and pose with one.  When asked what he thought as the handlers were unloading the horse, seven-year-old Luca Quercetti had one observation.  “It is BIG,” he said.

Luca is not wrong.  Clydesdales are indeed a bit taller than other horses, but what makes them really stand out is their weight.  Since they were bred to be work animals, they are much stockier and can weigh close to twice the amount of the horses we typically see in Chester County.  Yes, they are big, and very impressive-looking—especially close up.

Clydesdales were initially bred in Scotland and are known for their beautiful brown, black, and white colorings.  Besides their size, most distinctive is their long white fur--almost like furry boots--from their hocks to their hooves.  They are gentle creatures, which was evident as Toby allowed people to pet him and patiently posed for pictures.

In addition to the Clydesdale meet-and-greet, manager Lauren Bohnert explained the other events going on as part of their Memorial Day event.  “We’re doing dollar water bottles for the Children’s Miracle Network,” she said, “Flag and Clydesdale tattoos for the kids, and The Meat House food truck is here.”  Earlier in the day, Ace gave out flags and offered free pet nail trimmings.

Brandywine Ace has always been community-focused, and holds special events throughout the year.  The store features “Bluebird Chats” by the Pennsylvania Bluebird Society in the early spring, pet nail clippings bi-monthly, and grill demonstrations several times per year.  Every day something is on sale.  

“Tuesdays is Toy and Treat Tuesday, so all of our pet toys and treat are buy one get one half off, “Bohnert said.  “On Wednesday we have Wild Bird Wednesday, 15 percent off the whole department.  Thursday is Thirsty Thursday with 20 percent of Yeti drinkware and Stanley drinkware.  And Friday is Fuel Up Friday, and that’s five dollars off a propane refill and buy one get half off charcoal or pellets.”

The O’Brien extended family finally got to the front of the line and had their special moment with Toby as the day’s temperature soared into the 80s. But their fun day was not over yet.  Melissa Quercetti, who is the O’Brien’s daughter and mom to Giuliana, Gemma, and Luca, had more special plans.  

“We’re going to the pool,” she said with a smile.