10 Fun Facts About JFP Equine Clydesdales That'll Make You Say "WHOA!"
If you've ever dreamed of standing next to a gentle giant with feathers on its hooves and a heart of gold, you're in for a treat. Welcome to JFP Equine, a hidden gem in Waterloo, Illinois, where these iconic draft horses live their best lives—minus the beer commercials of course. 🐴✨
Whether you're a horse enthusiast, a selfie-with-a-Clydesdale seeker, or just curious, here are 10 fun facts about JFP Equine that make us a little different (and a lot lovable):
1. WE'RE SMALL ... BUT MIGHTY
Don't expect hundreds of acres and dozens and dozens of Clydesdales at JFP Equine. That's not us. When it comes to our herd, we prefer quality over quantity - typically within a range of 4-8 Clydesdales at a time. And when it comes to our visitors, we like to keep groups small/intimate for the most up-close-and-personal experience possible.
2. WE'RE A FAMILY-RUN OPERATION
JFP Equine is rooted in the vision, experience and deep draft horse knowledge of Jim Poole. Today, that dream is supported by his son Barclay, who’s helped grow and guide JFP into the hands-on, heart-filled experience it is today. It’s more than a farm—it’s a family legacy with giant hooves.
3. WE'RE ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE
People were always asking us, "can we come and hang out with your Clydesdales?" So, around the beginning of 2023, we decided to officially put a couple of scheduled programs together where visitors could do just that - ranging from our Clydesdale Meet N' Greets and ULTIMATE CLYDESDALE EXPERIENCE to our Clydesdale Academy.
4. SORRY, WE’RE NOT WITH THE BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES (BUT WE GET THAT A LOT)
We love a good Clydesdale commercial as much as the next horse lover, but no—we’re not part of Anheuser-Busch's historic hitch. While the world knows them for their iconic Clydesdales, JFP Equine is proudly independent! That said, we do have some pretty legendary roots—Jim Poole (yep, the “JFP” in our name) spent nearly 25 years managing the Budweiser Clydesdale operation. So while we’re not hitching beer wagons these days, we’re still keeping the Clydesdale tradition strong, just in our own awesome way.
5. IT'S A BIT OF A 'BOYS CLUB'
If you’re picking up on some serious dude energy in the barn—you’re not wrong! Most of our Clydesdale crew are geldings (that’s the fancy word for fixed males). While we occasionally help a client find a fabulous mare, it’s usually all about the boys around here. Think of it as a gentle-giant bachelor pad—just with way more hay and hoof picks.
6. MEET ACE: THE BIG ‘MANE’ ON CAMPUS
At JFP Equine, horses come and go—but Ace? He’s here to stay. This towering gentleman isn’t just a Clydesdale; he’s a full-blown celebrity (and maybe a little bit of a ham). With his larger-than-life personality, impressive size, and a fan club that includes just about everyone who’s ever met him, Ace has become part mascot, part family member, and 100% unforgettable. Snap a pic—he loves the camera!
7. EVERY VISIT COMES WITH A STORY (OR TWO)
When it comes to our visitors, it's all about our Clydesdales. Well, mostly. JFP Equine has quite the backstory, and we like to weave it into every visit to put proper perspective on who we are and what the heck we are doing with these giant horses walking around our farm!
8. THEY AREN'T GIANT PUPPY DOGS, BUT ...
No, they aren't giant puppy dogs, they are 2,000 lb + horses with big feet and steel shoes. So, safety is a priority around our Clydesdales (or any draft horse in general). That being said, most of our boys are used to the camera—and they're not shy about joining your selfies. Be ready for the possibility of a head tilt, a big fuzzy nose in the frame, or an affectionate nudge that says, “You smell like snacks.”
9. OUR CLYDESDALES GO PLACES ... AND STEAL THE SHOW
Our Clydesdales aren’t just homebodies—we often take one or more to visit festivals, corporate events, weddings, and private parties all around the St. Louis metro area and beyond. Wherever they go, they turn heads, pose for pics, and steal hearts (and maybe a snack or two). If you're planning something special, just say the word—these boys are ready to roll.
10. WE'RE ALL ABOUT A LASTING IMPRESSION
Meeting a Clydesdale in person isn’t something you forget. Whether it’s their massive hooves, soulful eyes, or calm, majestic energy, people walk away saying, “That was amazing.” At JFP Equine, we don’t just showcase horses—we create once-in-a-lifetime moments that stick with you long after the last nuzzle. 🐴💫
Whether you're a lifelong horse lover or just discovering the magic of these gentle giants, one thing’s for sure—Clydesdales are pretty darn cool, and we're proud to have some world-class ones at JFP Equine! So next time you see a Clydesdale clip-clopping by, give a wave (and maybe a carrot). And if you haven’t visited JFP Equine yet… what are you waiting for? Saddle up and come meet the herd—you might just trot away with a new favorite friend!
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