Draft horse and mule show exemplifies community's best

Ramona Triber's first Clydesdale was a Christmas present.

She's always loved draft horses and, finally, her husband, Archie, bought her one as a Christmas present. That was 12 years ago. Now, they have a herd of 20 Clydesdales and are regulars at the annual Idaho State Draft Horse and Mule International Show.

The show, held the weekend after Labor Day, is a tradition for area residents. It's a time of admiring the aptly-named "gentle giants," who have a grace, beauty and quiet intelligence that pulls in fans of all ages; of staring in amazement at their sheer power and cheering as teams of six or eight trot around the fairgrounds arena.

But they also serve as a reminder of another era, one where things seemed simpler and neighbors helped each other out, without question or wondering what was in it for them.

There is a camaraderie about the draft show participants, members of one team freely offering help with washing hooves, holding anervous young horse getting its first bath in an unfamiliar setting and sitting around a barbecue, exchanging stories and drinking hot coffee.

(And, for those keeping score at home, this weekend was one of the first in recent memory where folks didn't get drenched by a fall rainstorm or afternoon drizzle.)

Events like the draft horse and mule show exemplify all that's right and wonderful about Sandpoint. It showcases the best of what we, as a community, can be instead of our family squabbles.

Here's a big round of applause to all of the volunteers and members of the North Idaho Draft Horse and Mule Association. Once again, you did a simply amazing and wonderful job. Thank you.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.