My Mount Rushmore of Draft Horses (And Why These Four Made the List)
As a part of JFP Equine and someone who has spent a lifetime around Clydesdales, Belgians, and other draft horses, I get asked a surprising question during our Ultimate Clydesdale Experiences:
"What's your favorite horse?"
The truth is, that's almost impossible to answer.
I mean... where do you even start?
— I finally decided to sit down and think about it.
As a part of JFP Equine and someone who has spent a lifetime around Clydesdales, Belgians, and other draft horses, I get asked a surprising question during our Ultimate Clydesdale Experiences:
"What's your favorite horse?"
The truth is, that's almost impossible to answer.
I mean... where do you even start?
— I finally decided to sit down and think about it.
It's kind of like asking someone to pick their favorite memory.
So instead, I decided to create a Mount Rushmore.
And when you're only allowed four spots, some really good horses get left off the mountain.
A quick disclaimer before we start: this list isn't purely based on quality.
This one is about connection.
Admiration.
Memories.
The horses that left the biggest mark on me.
And in no particular order (because ranking these four would require an entirely separate article), here are the four that would go on my Mount Rushmore of Draft Horses...
BUCK: The Biggest Belgian I'll Ever Forget
A Belgian.
A BIG Belgian.
Actually, scratch that.
A huge Belgian.
Buck was one of our family's horses when I was around 12 years old, living in Forest, Ontario, Canada.
Now, every horse owner thinks their horse is big.
Buck was big enough that it was officially documented.
I remember it clearly.
The North American Belgian Championship in Toronto had a class for the heaviest horse.
Yes, with an actual scale.
And yes, an actual competition.
Buck won - against some serious competition from both Canada and the United States.
I don't remember the exact number, although for some reason 2,424 pounds sticks in my head. What I do know is it was somewhere north of 2,400 pounds.
That's a lot of horse.
The coolest part?
I got to lead Buck during the awards ceremony where the trophy was presented by former professional wrestler and Canadian Football League star Angela Mosca.
Which made perfect sense because Angela Mosca wasn't exactly a small man himself.
Not long after that, our family moved from Canada to St. Louis when my dad, Jim Poole, began his career with the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Buck was sold.
But he's one of those horses you never forget.
And all these years later, I still haven't.
GATOR: The Horse Who Loved the Spotlight
Gator, one of Barclay Poole's Mount Rushmore draft horses, was known for his striking appearance and natural ability to connect with people at public events.
Gator was a Clydesdale owned by JFP Equine a few years ago.
And man, was he sharp.
Not the biggest horse we ever owned.
Not the heaviest.
But just a really, really good-looking horse.
Great color.
Great markings.
The complete package.
But what I remember most about Gator wasn't how he looked.
It was how much he loved people.
He was one of the first horses we regularly took to appearances, festivals, wineries, community events, and public gatherings.
And he absolutely ate it up.
Some horses tolerate attention.
Gator seemed to genuinely enjoy it.
He would pose for pictures.
He'd nuzzle into people.
He somehow always knew where the camera was.
And he made every event feel easy.
I remember hauling him all the way to Denver for a corporate appearance.
After a long trip, most horses would be happy just to stretch their legs.
Not Gator.
He stepped off the trailer ready to work the crowd like he'd been preparing for it his entire life.
Today, Gator lives in Texas with a wonderful family where he's spoiled, well cared for, and living a pretty good life.
And honestly?
He earned it.
TORCH: The Complete Package
Torch is a Clydesdale horse owned by JFP Equine and a member of the farm's Core Four. Shown here with Jim Poole, Torch is known for his quality, personality, and success at the National Clydesdale Sale.
OK.
The final two entries might have a little recency bias.
Or, maybe they're simply good enough to belong here.
I'm going with the second option.
Torch is a legend at JFP Equine.
And what's interesting is that this is actually the second time we've owned him.
The first time we owned Torch, we sold him through the National Clydesdale Sale.
Not only did he sell well.
He tied the record for the highest-selling horse in the sale.
A record that had also previously been set by another JFP Equine horse.
Torch is everything people imagine when they picture a great Clydesdale.
Quality.
Color.
Markings.
Flash.
Movement.
Presence.
But what makes him special is that he combines all of that with personality and intelligence.
He's smart.
He's aware.
And he seems to know exactly how impressive he is.
Last December, Torch came back home to JFP Equine.
Today he's a member of our "Core Four" and plays a major role in our Ultimate Clydesdale Experiences, Clydesdale "Backstage" Meet N' Greets, and appearances throughout the region.
Not a bad semi-retirement gig.
And from what I can tell, he's enjoying every minute of it.
ACE: The Horse Who Changed Everything
ACE, one of Barclay Poole's Mount Rushmore draft horses, has become one of the most recognizable Clydesdales in the St. Louis region through appearances, events, and the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience at JFP Equine.
Was there ever really a question?
18 hands 3".
Approximately 2,300 pounds.
And a personality (and heart) that's somehow even bigger than that.
Ace has become a bit of a celebrity around the region.
He's appeared in television segments.
Newspaper features.
Social media videos.
Festivals.
Corporate events.
Christmas celebrations.
Oktoberfests.
Derby parties.
And about a hundred other places I never imagined a Clydesdale would find himself.
We've done a lot together.
We've taken pictures with probably tens of thousands of people.
Visited music venues.
Met well-known artists backstage.
Walked through the front doors of major retailers.
And somehow convinced people that bringing a giant horse into unusual places is perfectly reasonable.
More importantly, though, we've built trust.
We've trusted him.
He's trusted us.
And when you travel as many miles and attend as many events together as we have, that kind of partnership becomes pretty special.
But it's the everyday stuff that's just as important with ACE.
The quiet moments in the barn.
The little things.
His personality.
His intelligence.
His willingness to tackle just about anything we ask of him.
And his ability to make us laugh when we least expect it.
People often ask what makes a great Clydesdale.
Size helps.
Quality helps.
Color and markings certainly don't hurt.
After spending decades around draft horses, I've learned that greatness isn't always measured by size, championships, or sale prices. Those things matter, but the horses you remember most are the ones that create a connection.
The ones that make the work enjoyable. The ones that leave stories behind.
They become partners.
They become memories.
And if that's the criteria, these four earned their spots on my Mount Rushmore.
At least for now.
Ask me again in five years and I reserve the right to change my mind.
Who's on Jim Poole's Mount Rushmore of Draft Horses?
That's a whole different conversation... and one we'll share soon.
Want to Meet Some of Our Favorite Clydesdales?
At JFP Equine, horses like ACE and TORCH are part of our:
Now if you'll excuse me, I've probably just offended about 86 other Clydesdales and Belgians that think they deserved a spot on this list.
And honestly, they may have a point.
But for today, this is my mountain!
Frequently Asked Questions About Draft Horses
What is a draft horse?
A draft horse is a large breed of horse traditionally bred for pulling heavy loads, farm work, and driving.
What is the difference between a Belgian and a Clydesdale?
While both are large draft horse breeds of similar size, they have a distinctly different look. Clydesdales are known for their feathered legs while Belgians are often a little heavier-bodied with a more powerful, compact appearance. Color is often the easiest way to tell them apart—most Clydesdales are bay, dark bay or black with white markings, while Belgians are commonly blonde or sorrel (chestnut) with flaxen manes and tails.
How much does a draft horse weigh?
Most draft horses weigh between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds, although exceptionally large horses can exceed 2,200 pounds.
What is the largest draft horse breed?
Individual horses vary, but Belgians, Shires, and Clydesdales are among the largest draft horse breeds in the world.
Looking for Unique Things to Do Near St. Louis? Meet a Clydesdale Up Close
If you are searching for unique things to do near St. Louis, few experiences compare to standing by - and petting - a Clydesdale horse weighing more than 2,000 pounds.
Yep, a real-life Clydesdale.
Located just outside St. Louis, JFP Equine has become a destination for families, couples, horse lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for an unforgettable experience near St. Louis.
Guest experiencing hands-on interaction with the JFP Equine Clydesdales during the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.
If you are searching for unique things to do near St. Louis, few experiences compare to standing by - and petting - a Clydesdale horse weighing more than 2,000 pounds.
Yep, a real-life Clydesdale.
At JFP Equine in Waterloo, Illinois, visitors can experience one of the Midwest’s most memorable hands-on animal experiences through our Ultimate Clydesdale Experience — an interactive opportunity to meet, groom, photograph, and learn about world-class Clydesdales up close.
Located just outside St. Louis, JFP Equine has become a destination for families, couples, horse lovers, photographers, and travelers looking for an unforgettable experience near St. Louis.
One of the Most Unique Experiences Near St. Louis
Most people only see Clydesdales from afar.
Two JFP Equine Clydesdales showing a little personality in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.
Maybe at a parade. Maybe in a commercial. Maybe briefly at a public event.
Very few people ever get the chance to truly interact with one.
That is exactly what makes the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience at JFP Equine so different.
Guests are invited into a personal, small-group environment where they can spend meaningful time with these incredible horses while learning directly from a family with decades of real-world draft horse experience.
For visitors searching for:
unique things to do near St. Louis
family activities near St. Louis
weekend trips from St. Louis
interactive animal experiences
bucket-list experiences in Missouri and Illinois
the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience offers something genuinely different.
What Is the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience?
Guests participate in hands-on grooming during the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience at JFP Equine in Waterloo, Illinois.
The Ultimate Clydesdale Experience is designed to be far more than simply “looking at horses.”
This is a hands-on, interactive experience centered around real connection with the horses themselves.
Visitors can:
Meet multiple JFP Equine Clydesdales up close
Participate in hands-on grooming
Take photos alongside the horses
Learn about feeding, training, and daily care
Hear stories from decades in the draft horse industry
Experience the individual personalities of each horse
Every experience is intentionally designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, educational, and memorable.
Unlike crowded attractions or large commercial tours, JFP Equine focuses on small-group experiences that create authentic interaction and lasting memories.
Where Is JFP Equine Located?
JFP Equine is located in Waterloo, Illinois, approximately 35-40 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
That makes it an easy:
day trip from St. Louis
weekend activity
family outing
date idea
birthday surprise
experience gift for animal lovers
Many visitors are surprised to discover that such a unique Clydesdale experience exists this close to the city.
Can You Actually Pet and Interact With the Horses?
Guests meet one of the JFP Equine Clydesdales during a hands-on experience in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.
Photo Credit: Jim Descher Photography
Absolutely.
One of the biggest differences at JFP Equine is that guests are not simply watching from behind a fence.
Visitors are able to spend real time around Clydesdales through hands-on interaction and grooming activities.
Guests often say the most surprising part is not just the size of the horses — but how personal the experience feels once they are standing beside them.
It is one thing to see a Clydesdale in a commercial.
It is another thing entirely to stand close to one.
Why Are Clydesdales So Popular?
Two of the JFP Equine Clydesdales enjoying a beautiful day in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.
Photo Credit: ARK Images
Clydesdales are known around the world for their:
incredible size
feathered legs
strength
calm presence
iconic appearance
Some stand nearly - or even over - 19 hands tall, and can weigh well over 2,000 pounds.
Despite their massive size, many people are drawn to the quiet and steady nature of these horses.
For many visitors, meeting a Clydesdale becomes one of those unforgettable experiences they talk about for years afterward.
Why Is This Different Than a Typical Farm Tour?
JFP Equine is not a petting zoo or crowded tourist attraction.
Our experiences are intentionally designed to be:
personal
interactive
educational
photography-friendly
small-group focused
centered around genuine interaction with the horses
Guests are not rushed through a line. Instead, they are welcomed into the world of the Clydesdales themselves.
Is the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience Just for Kids?
Two JFP Equine Clydesdales inside the barn in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.
Photo Credit: ARK Images
Not at all.
In fact, it was actually designed with adults in mind.
Many of our guests are:
couples looking for a unique date experience
friends searching for something different to do near St. Louis
adult children bringing parents or grandparents
photographers and animal lovers
travelers looking for memorable Midwest experiences
Of course, younger guests who truly love horses often have an unforgettable experience too. (See FAQ guidelines on requirements and minimum age guidelines.)
But overall, JFP Equine is best described as a unique hands-on experience designed for people who appreciate animals, stories, history, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meeting a Clydesdale Near St. Louis
Can you pet a Clydesdale?
Yes. Guests at JFP Equine are able to interact closely with the horses during the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience, including supervised hands-on interaction and grooming activities.
Where can you meet a Clydesdale near St. Louis?
JFP Equine in Waterloo, Illinois offers one of the Midwest’s most unique hands-on Clydesdale experiences, located approximately 35-40 minutes from downtown St. Louis.
How big are Clydesdales?
Many Clydesdales stand close to 19 hands tall and can weigh over 2,000 pounds.
Their size is often one of the first things visitors notice when seeing them in person.
Are Clydesdales friendly?
Clydesdales are widely known for their calm presence and steady temperament. Every horse has its own personality, which is one of the reasons guests enjoy spending time getting to know them individually.
Is there a minimum age requirement for the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience?
The Ultimate Clydesdale Experience is intended primarily for adults and guests ages 12 and older who are able to safely follow instructions and behave appropriately around very large horses.
That said, parents know their children best, and younger participants may attend at the discretion of their parent or legal guardian.
Because the experience involves close interaction around very large horses in a relaxed, small-group environment, a parent, legal guardian, or supervising adult must remain with minors at all times and is responsible for ensuring the child’s ability to follow instructions and behave safely around the horses.
All minor participants must have their waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
Do you offer anything for younger children?
Yes - our Clydesdale ‘Backstage’ Meet N’ Greet may be a good fit.
The experience is intended primarily for adults and guests ages 6 and older who are able to safely follow instructions and behave appropriately around very large horses.
That said, parents know their children best, and younger participants may attend at the discretion of their parent or legal guardian.
Because the experience involves close interaction around very large horses, a parent, legal guardian, or supervising adult must remain with the child at all times and is responsible for ensuring the child’s ability to follow instructions and behave safely around the animals.
All minor participants must have their waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian.
How far is Waterloo, Illinois from St. Louis?
Waterloo, Illinois is located approximately 35-40 minutes from downtown St. Louis, making it an easy day trip or weekend activity.
Do people travel from outside the St. Louis area for the experience?
Yes. Guests regularly visit from across Missouri, Illinois, and surrounding states specifically to experience the Clydesdales up close.
Is this a private experience?
JFP Equine focuses on small-group, personal experiences designed to create a more meaningful and interactive visit compared to larger public attractions.
Experience the Clydesdales of JFP Equine
If you are looking for unique things to do near St. Louis, the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience at JFP Equine offers a rare opportunity to connect with some of the world’s most iconic horses in a personal and unforgettable way.
Basically, it’s two hours of Clydesdale awesomeness. Meet the horses, take photos, ask questions, and experience the world of the Clydesdales up close for yourself.
JFP Equine is located in Waterloo, Illinois near St. Louis.