Draft horse show this weekend

SANDPOINT — The Idaho State Draft Horse and Mule International Show, typically held in September, has a new date this year.

For the first time it's 42-year history, the show, hosted by the North Idaho Draft Horse and Mule Association, was cancelled last September due to smokey conditions from area wildfires. While that is not the reason for rescheduling the show to July 5-8, NIDHMA board member Brandon Moore said the cancellation did give them more time to plan this year's show.  

"We were trying to do something anyway, because a lot of these hitches that we show with have kids that help them," Moore said. "If they are in school, they don't show during that time of year."

The result of moving the show to July, he said, is there will be four new hitches this year. With the new dates for the show, it is once again back-to-back with the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo in Deer Lodge, Mont., which was held last weekend. The Big Sky show used to be held in September as well.

The show features performances by draft horses and draft mules, as well as several classes of competition throughout the weekend. 

For those familiar with the show, Moore said it will be similar to previous years, though with more of the "fancier" horse hitches, as well as the pleasure farm horses and mules. The eight-horse hitch is back this year as well, he said.

"And we did get our membership through the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series, so we are a double-point show," Moore said. "So the combination of changing the date and adding the point series is how we got our extra hitches ... Some of these hitches are top of the line."

Moore's grandparents, Don and Betty Nagle, assisted Lloyd Jones and Sy Thompson in establishing the NIDHA in 1976. Don Nagle served as one of the first directors and Betty Nagle the first secretary and treasurer.

"I've been there every year of my life," Moore said of the show.

The Nagles have had a hitch in the show every year, he said. Moore has since taken over his grandfather's hitches and will be competing in the classic series.

The show commences at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds' main arena with horse and mule log skidding events. The competition picks up again at 8 a.m. Friday with junior team driving, continuing throughout the day with tandem and unicorn hitches, four up driving, six up driving, men's cart, barrel racing and more. Saturday's events again begin at 8 a.m. with amateur four up driving, as well as several other competitions throughout the day. The Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. On Sunday, competitions begin at 9 a.m. in the indoor arena.

Show-goers can also browse the Art and Gear Show, visit the gentle giants in their stalls, and meet Bonnie Shields, the Tennessee Mule Artist, as well as the Wild Hearts Drill Team.

For a full show schedule or to purchase tickets in advance, visit idahodrafthorseshow.com.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.