Draft horse show heads to Sandpoint

SANDPOINT - The "gentle giants" are back in Sandpoint for the 32nd annual Idaho State Draft Horse and Mule show this coming week.  

The show will be held Sept. 18-21 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.

A private treaty horse and mule sale will be held throughout the weekend and ends on Sept. 22 at noon. All six breeds of draft horses - American Cream, Belgian, Clydesdale, Percheron, Shire, Suffolk - and draft mules will be presented at the show.

The show begins with halter classes on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 and has a variety of events for everyone. Classes include junior, senior, log skidding, team pulling, women's cart, farm classes and ending up with the eight up horse and mule hitches. In between classes, there will be barrel racing, a goat hitch demonstration and chariot races with the  beautiful Friesians. Also, on Sept. 20 at 2 p.m., the crowd-pleasing pulling contest will attract the top pullers from the Northwest.

In addition to food and equipment vendors and exhibitors, there will be a raffle to win a mule yearling, a beautiful quilt or clothing package.

There are five formal performances with tickets beginning at $9. Seniors get in free on Friday, two for the price of one and all military with proper identification also will get in free. In addition, a family package of two adults and three kids under 16 will cost $30. Parking is $3 per vehicle.

"We encourage you to come to the show and get up close and personal with these gentle giants," said organizer Ramona Triber. "Our exhibitors welcome the opportunity share with you their love and passion for their horses and mules."

Information: www.idahodrafthorseshow.com