Each year during the Minnesota State Fair’s daily parade, all eyes are on Frank and Ritchie. The pair of 18-year-old Clydesdales tower over fairgoers as they pull a wagon down the 14-block parade route. When that work is done, it’s back to the Horse Barn to greet their adoring public.   

“Frank is more of a social butterfly and really enjoys pats and scratches—his favorite part of the State Fair is visiting with all the guests who come to say hello,” says Annie Rivas, director of animal health for the Minnesota Zoo, where the pair permanently resides. “Ritchie is a bit more shy, but is a very serious worker and great at pulling the wagon!”

Handling large loads like the wagon is what these equine athletes are bred for, but training, conditioning and routine healthcare are key to keeping them safe during their performances. 

As part of the annual preparations for their State Fair appearances, Ritchie and Frank head to the Leatherdale Equine Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for checkups over the summer. Both horses are evaluated by Jenna Young of the Large Animal Surgery and sports medicine team. These veterinarians perform exams and tests that are used to diagnose pain, inflammation, or other potential issues that can affect the horses’ movement and strength. 

“With horses like Frank and Ritchie, our goal is to help them stay comfortable and active while recognizing the significant physical demands of their size and their work,” Young says. “We evaluate each horse individually and work closely with the Minnesota Zoo veterinary team to identify and manage orthopedic issues early, adjust treatment as their needs change, and make sure their comfort and quality of life always come first."

For example, Frank and Ritchie both have osteoarthritis, which commonly affects horses as they age and large draft breeds in particular. Management of this condition focuses on maintaining comfort and quality of life, according to Rivas. 

“This includes regular veterinary evaluations both at the zoo and with the equine surgeons at UMN, maintaining an appropriate body condition, encouraging consistent exercise to help preserve joint mobility, and making adjustments to activity levels as needed,” she adds.  

Depending on their individual needs, these treatment plans may include joint-supportive therapies, medications, laser therapy, or other interventions recommended by the veterinary team. During their visits to the Leatherdale Equine Center, both Frank and Ritchie received joint injections. 

“Their care is continually tailored to each horse, with the goal of keeping them comfortable and active for as long as possible,” Rivas says. 

Large draft horses require specialized care because of their size and the physical demands placed on their bodies. For Ritchie and Frank, that means more than routine trips to the veterinarian. Rivas says their daily management includes carefully balanced nutrition, regular hoof care, routine veterinary and dental examinations, and conditioning that helps maintain strength and mobility. Their schedules are designed to provide an appropriate balance between activity and rest, and their care team continually monitors their comfort and overall well-being.

Whether they’re at the fair, at home in the Wells Fargo Family Farm on the Minnesota Zoo campus, or greeting guests at other zoo events, Frank and Ritchie play important roles as ambassadors for domestic livestock and agriculture. Visitors often have the opportunity to see them during their daily routines and learn about the history and importance of draft horses.

“Their presence helps connect guests with the long-standing relationship between people and working animals and provides opportunities to discuss responsible animal care and the important roles horses have played throughout history,” Rivas says.