Queen Creek stable welcomes Clydesdales

King River Stables in Queen Creek stands out in its rural neighborhood this week.

With three Budweiser semitrailers in the driveway, flags and banners promoting the company hung all over the property, and 12 huge Clydesdales in his stables, owner Toah Hatch said the horses have become the buzz of his community.

“It’s one of the biggest things that’s been in Queen Creek,” Hatch said. “It’s the first time they’ve been in Queen Creek.”

Hatch’s stables are playing host to the famous Budweiser Clydesdales while they’re in town for the Gilbert Days parade and rodeo.

Though not open for the public to visit, Hatch said he’s had family, friends and friends of friends stop by to see the horses.

The Clydesdales at King River Stables make up the West Coast travel team, one of six teams of 12 Clydesdales the company has.

Based in Menifee, Calif., the West Coast team travels from Alaska to Mexico, everywhere west of the Mississippi River, said Erik Anderson, a Clydesdale handler.

Hatch, who was born and raised in Gilbert, said he feels honored to have the large, majestic animals at his facility.

He said the Clydesdales came to his stables because of his involvement with the Gilbert Promotional Corp., which organizes Gilbert Days.

“The Gilbert Promotional Corporation brings the Clydesdales to town, and they had a hard time finding a place,” Hatch said.

Anderson said Hatch’s facility is a good place for the famous Clydesdales.

“It’s a lot of fun traveling, and they’re in a new place every week,” Anderson said, noting that the only adjustments the Clydesdales have to make are to the different hay and water in different locations.

Clydesdale handler Jerry Hammon said the team travels more than 30,000 miles a year and visits 40 cities.

“It’s neat to see them and see how things are handled,” Hatch said of the Clydesdales and their human team of handlers. “Everything is so professional and in order. I’m honored to have them here.”

Gilbert Days Parade

When: 9 a.m. Saturday

Where: Gilbert Road between Juniper and Warner roads