Seeing Clydesdales from a distance is impressive—but stepping into the barn and standing beside them is something else entirely.
At JFP Equine’s 10-acre farm in Waterloo, Illinois, visitors can do just that. The farm’s Ultimate Clydesdale Experience invites small groups to spend time with the iconic horses and the people who care for them, offering a rare, hands-on look at one of the world’s most recognizable draft breeds.
“So many people are in awe of them and have a unique emotional connection,” says Barclay Poole, whose father, Jim Poole, founded JFP Equine in 2011. About three years ago, the family began welcoming visitors for what Barclay calls “two hours of Clydesdale awesomeness.”
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For families, the experience is as memorable as it is educational. The same calm, steady temperament that once made Clydesdales indispensable workhorses now makes them especially well-suited for close interaction.
Guests typically meet three geldings, each with a distinct personality: Fred is often a favorite, thanks to his mismatched eyelashes—one black, one white—and his signature mustache. Flame, the largest horse on the farm at 19 hands tall, leaves visitors in awe simply by standing nearby.
Then there’s Ace, the farm’s best-known resident and a social media standout. “He’s had several videos with more than a million views,” Barclay says.
Standing 18 hands, 3 inches tall and weighing 2,300 pounds, Ace is undeniably imposing—but his calm, gentle demeanor makes him a favorite for events across the Midwest, from weddings to winery appearances. The 13-year-old gelding has even gone backstage to meet touring performers at local concert venues.
Beyond the horses, families may spot barn cats roaming the property and, if they’re lucky, meet Jim Poole himself. A longtime figure in the Clydesdale world, he spent 25 years managing the Budweiser Clydesdales, growing the operation to more than 300 horses and overseeing six traveling teams.
“He’s a legend who’s had an unmatched career,” Barclay says.
Before joining Budweiser, Jim Poole showed draft horses competitively across North America, first with Belgians and later with Clydesdales. Today, he continues to travel from Waterloo to sell horses and consult with owners.
A family connection to a historic breed
Clydesdales hold a special place in American culture—particularly in St. Louis, where Budweiser’s eight-horse hitch is a familiar sight at parades and events.
At JFP Equine, that legacy becomes personal.
Visitors travel from across the Midwest and beyond—some from as far as New York and South Carolina—to experience the horses up close. Many plan their trip around St. Louis, making the farm part of a larger family outing. Barclay says most guests come in groups that span generations, with parents, children, and even grandparents sharing the experience together.
The breed’s history dates back to the early 1800s, when Clydesdales were imported from Scotland to pull wagons and plows.
“A lot of people think of them as big teddy bears—and it’s easy to see why,” Barclay says. “But they are powerful animals, and it’s important to be safe around them.”
What to expect during a visit
Each experience begins with a safety briefing before guests are introduced to the horses. From there, the visit becomes increasingly interactive. Families can groom manes and tails, vacuum coats, help mix feed, and offer treats—activities that give visitors a real sense of the care these animals require.
For those looking to commemorate the visit, the farm is offering a special photo backdrop and limited-edition artwork this year in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
While there’s no formal age minimum, Barclay notes that the full two-hour experience is best suited for older children.
“We get really hands-on—brushing, feeding, and experiencing what that feels like,” he says. “We want people to leave having learned something new about their size, their care, and what makes them so special.”
The Ultimate Clydesdale Experience is $99 per person, with a maximum of four visitors per session to keep the experience personal and immersive. Dates and availability are listed online, and visitors under 18 must bring a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
