SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Over 400 of the best Clydesdales in the world converge at the Illinois State Fairgrounds this week to take part in the 2025 World Clydesdale Show.
The horses are judged on everything from their hooves to their muscle structure, height, and even how they hold their necks up.
Grant Johnson raises and shows Clydesdales in Springfield. One of his horses at the show is Elliot, a 3-year-old that was born and raised in the state capital. Johnson fell in love with the horses at a young age.
"We had some family friends. My older brother and their daughter were friends and they had horses," Johnson said. "My brother started helping them, my parents started helping them. My mother loved horses since she was a kid and it got into me."
Clydesdales are very large, but also very comfortable around people.
"They're very docile," Johnson said. "Clydesdales are known as the gentle giants, so we can do things -- I have nieces and nephews that have worked with these guys at a young age. They just have a really great temperament and are just great to be around."
Johnson puts all of his own money into raising and breeding his horses, which is not the norm for many of the people with horses at the show this week.
For him, it's the love of the horse that keeps him going.
"I just love the Clydesdale, I just love the horse," he beamed. "They love on you. We have a horse who if you give her affection, she'll never leave your side. That kind of connection is amazing. It's special. I don't have kids, so the horses are my kids and I just love them. They really bring me joy and happiness."
The show runs through Sunday, October 5th. Admission is free.
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