The phrase “lights, camera, action!” isn’t just reserved for Hollywood actors and actresses. There are some equine celebrities that have been capturing hearts across screens big and small for decades. While horses have lent their majestic presence to epic films and TV shows, they’ve also trotted their way into the world of advertising, proving that they are indeed versatile artists. One such group that has made an indelible impression is the Budweiser Clydesdales. Budweiser, an American brewing company, has always had a keen understanding of what tugs at the heartstrings of the average viewer. First introduced during the 1986 Super Bowl, the Budweiser Clydesdales quickly garnered attention and became synonymous with Super Bowl Sunday. These ads have been so compelling that they have cultivated a dedicated fan following, transcending age, culture, and even international borders.
The appeal of the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials lies not just in their aesthetic presentation but in their emotional resonance. The ads have managed to forge a connection with audiences worldwide by conveying universally relatable feelings—be it the spirit of friendship, the thrill of competition, or the warmth of family. It’s no wonder that their absence from the 2010 Super Bowl led to an impassioned outcry from fans on Facebook, eventually compelling the company to bring them back. Among the myriad Clydesdale commercials, one that stands out for its emotional depth is “Puppy Love,” which debuted in the 2014 Super Bowl. This ad transcends the boundaries of traditional advertising, to the extent that it can easily be considered a short film.
“Puppy Love” artfully depicts a heartwarming relationship between a Clydesdale horse and a puppy, melting hearts and evoking a rich tapestry of emotions that range from joy to melancholy and back to joy again. One of the hallmarks of these Clydesdale ads is their steadfast commitment to positive messaging. Whether focusing on friendship, as in “Puppy Love,” or on other aspects of the human (and equine) experience, the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials avoid controversy, opting instead for the kind of storytelling that uplifts and unites. In a world where digital content is so easily produced and just as easily forgotten, the Budweiser Clydesdales have managed to create a lasting legacy.
They’ve become a part of American culture and a symbol of the kind of storytelling that survives the test of time. So the next time you find yourself captivated by the soft glow of your television screen during a Super Bowl break, remember that the true art of advertising lies in its ability to connect, resonate, and make us feel a little more human—thanks in no small part to a group of magnificent Clydesdale horses. Don’t miss the incredible ad experience; check out the “Puppy Love” video, a spectacle of advertising art that promises to touch your heart and perhaps even bring a tear to your eye.