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10th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo |  More Images |
The 10th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, Montana's largest draft horse shows, will be held at the fairgrounds in historic Deer Lodge on September 17-18, 2005. Admission is $6 per performance or save by purchasing a souvenir button/weekend pass for $10. Children 10 and under are free.
Performances begin at noon Saturday and Sunday. Each day features different events from the ladies single horse competition to the impressive six horse hitches pulling beautiful show wagons, carts and unique vehicles. In addition to the 'gentle giant' Belgians, Percherons, Shires and Clydesdales, you will see Mules, Norwegian Fjords, Morgans and other light draft animals competing in the teamster events as well as the street/working and antique/unique horse drawn vehicle classes.
The two day show is a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the versatility and beauty of nearly 100 draft horses from throughout the Northwest. Many of these horses work hard at home where they are used for plowing, haying, log skidding and other chores, but for the two performances at the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, they are decked out in their Sunday best with rolled manes, braided tails and fancy harnesses embellished with brass and chrome.
The industrial era and introduction of the tractor caused us to come dangerously close to losing our heritage of driving horses. Today, draft horses are becoming increasingly poplar. At the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo you will enjoy watching the skill of the drivers--men, women and youth - as they compete in numerous events. The 4-abreast, unicorn, tandem and spectacular four and six horse hitches are especially poplar with audiences. The teamster events - obstacle course, log skidding and cultivating are also crowd favorites. These classes are judged on the ability of horses and drivers to perform the required pattern without going outside of the boundaries or disturbing the obstacles.
Many of the supporting trades - harness makers, wagon builders/restorers and wheelwrights - can be seen during the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, as well as rural art, books, and other interesting items at the vendors booths. An added attraction is the Carriage Show under the grandstand that features original, restored or reproductions of horse drawn surreys, cutters, carts, wagons and carriages.
You are welcome to visit the exhibitors and watch as they prepare horses for the show. After the show Saturday, there will be a barbeque and entertainment. Cowboy Church service will at 10:00am on Sunday in the grandstand.
Mark your calendar for September 17-18 and plan to bring your family for a weekend rich in rural heritage and fun at historical Deer Lodge, located on I-90 in Southwestern Montana.
For additional information, our website is http://www.drafthorseexpo or call 406-846-2094, 406-492-6753 or 406-846-3686. Exhibitor registration: 406-846-3686. Sponsors and Vendors: 406-846-2507.
Directions: 10th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo is located in Deer Lodge at the Tri-County Fairgrounds.
10th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo
, Deer Lodge, MT 59722
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