I have seen a lot of things in Nacogdoches since we moved here last year — purple everything, lines at Chick-fil-A that defy physics, and college kids who can sprint across campus like their GPA depended on it — but nothing prepared me for today when the Budweiser Clydesdales truck rolled into SFA like celebrities on tour. I got out of my vehicle and walked to where there was already a crowd forming. First a cop car came and then the giant red Budweiser truck pulled in and started backing up next to the Austin Administration Building at Stephen F. Austin University. This moment instantly became

because this truck didn’t just arrive, the Clydesdale horses made an entrance. After they parked, the side ramp dropped, and out stepped those enormous, fluffy, show-stopping hooves — the kind of hooves that have seen more parades than I have seen episodes of Dateline. The moment those feathery feet hit the runway, I knew I was witnessing

and honestly Heidi Klum would have sent them straight to the finale. Before anyone really understood what was happening, one of the handlers was already polishing a leg like he was buffing a classic Mustang. That became

because that horse stood there like royalty letting his personal stylist handle the details.

Of course, I had to zoom in on that iconic red blanket with the gold eagle — the symbol that screams “We are here to make your afternoon ridiculously memorable.”

As more people poured in, a man stepped up in front wearing a SFA jacket of the crowd with the confidence of someone who has definitely practiced this speech in his truck mirror. He was gesturing, explaining, pointing as if he was practicing

Meanwhile, on the other side of the truck, a group of people were gathering like they were about to ask the horse for autographs. That moment earned

because the Clydesdale was basically a furry A-list celebrity at this point. And then I noticed all the officers scattered around — some talking, some laughing, some trying to look serious while standing next to orange cones — classic Nacogdoches energy.

The follow-up shot, with the cowboy hat, sunglasses, and a grin that said, “I love my job today”, earned its name:

Next came my favorite part — one Clydesdale dramatically whipped its head around like it heard someone mispronounce “Nacogdoches.” The expression on its face said everything: a little judgement, a little curiosity, and a whole love of “Where’s my close-up?”

The final shot… the full-body reveal. The horse standing tall, wrapped in red and green like a Christmas present from the heavens, the crowd mesmerized. The

because everything else suddenly seemed a little dull in comparison.

By the time I left, I realized 2 things: Clydesdales are basically celebrities with hooves and if Budweiser ever lets people adopt them, I will be first in line with a trailer I absolutely can’t drive with.

On a more serious note, yes the Clydesdales came to town, and yes, I absolutely took 100 photos like a tourist who has never seen a horse in her life. But how could I not? These aren’t just horses… they are Budweiser horses! National icons. Hoofed celebrities. The Beyonce of barn animals.

And I was there, camera in hand, living my best Nacogdoches-meets-Hollywood life.