You gotta watch the fingers, young Colton Oberlechner instructed, when reaching up to pat the nose of a Clydesdale colossus.

Known throughout the world for their gentle disposition, these oversized horses will still take a soft nip at an enterprising hand or finger if hurt or suddenly startled. Colton should know. He and his family annually trek out to Lucky J Restaurant and Arena in early October to meet and greet the Scottish Clydesdale, which can commonly stands more than 18 “hands” high and weigh nearly a ton.

Yet Colton had little trouble patting down one of the giants — owned by Anheuser-Busch and a Maple Leaf Festival staple —though he had to do so almost on the tips of his toes.

At one point the horse turned, ducked its head and began lapping loudly from a pail of water. It sounded like ocean surf pounding against the shore. Immediately after, the horse raised his head above the metal bars of his stall and gazed at the people photographing him from below, incidentally spraying the area in front of him. The little kids gathered nearby, eyes already large by their sizes, particularly squealed with delight.

The horses are staying for the weekend at Lucky J, located a few miles east of Carthage. Aside from being one of the main attractions during Saturday morning’s Maple Leaf Parade, the huge animals can be viewed free by the public at the arena from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 1-7 p.m. Saturday.

When asked what his favorite part of the horse is, Colton didn’t hesitate — the feet. Thanks to the popular Budweiser beer commercials or pre-St. Louis Cardinal game warm-ups, the Clydesdales have become an American trademark of sorts. And it’s the hairy feet that often draw the most attention from the youngsters.

“I just really like them,” Colton said.

Once used as armored instruments of war, the Clydesdales were primarily used in the 17th Century pulling heavy loads, such as carts of milk and vegetables. During the mid-1970s, the breed’s numbers dipped dangerously close to extinction, with just 80 living animals at that point.

Today the breed is growing rapidly, and their population is estimated worldwide at more than 5,000, with 600 new foals born each year.

The Budweiser Clydesdale Stables, housed in St. Louis, are home to approximately 35 Clydesdale mares, stallions and foals. Anheuser-Busch has one of the world's largest herds of Clydesdale horses and owns approximately 250 nationwide, where up to 15 foals are born each year.