Are miniatures the new wave in horse showing? With the cost of everything from feed to transport, that may be the case. For a variety of reasons, these small equines have really struck a chord with many equine professionals and enthusiasts.
However, nothing can compare with the thunder and glory of the biggest of horses. Sadly, Belgian breeders did not make a showing this year and with the World Clydesdale Show held just a couple of weeks prior in Brandon, Manitoba Clydesdale families also took time off.
Nick Den Brock judged the drafts and the shiny black Percherons made a glorious showing in all classes including the hitch of six.
Announcer Donna Swanson introduced the classes and the standings and ring man Grand Gee (Roselea Belgians) guided the entries within the ring.
This year the Virden Draft Horse Show made room for a full slate of miniature horse classes – 32 in all. It made a great show for spectators and kept the show flowing as the alternate classes provided time between hitches, something both the heavies and minis need to switch harness, rigs and for the drivers to prepare.
Shannon Boreham, Denise Longfield and Cheryl Heaman organized this very first Virden Miniature Horse Show and it was a great success.
Boreham said the event was a huge success with 41 horses. The classes included 11 youth exhibitors. Because of the space between classes, alternating heavies and miniatures, she said, “It was a fun show, more relaxed as they took turn about.” It allowed some time for exhibitors to watch each other show.
Classes began Saturday, July 29, with conformation classes and showmanship. Miniatures and their people dressed up for costume classes.
Because these horses, grouped as 34 inches and under (measured at the withers) and 38 inches and under, are too small for anyone but small children to ride, yet are talented and athletic, there were some unique competitions that you don’t see in light horse and draft shows: halter obstacle classes and hunter in hand as well as jumper in hand.
Miniatures make great pleasure drivers. There was a team of four, as well as tandem and unicorn hitches, and country pleasure, classic western pleasure and roadster saw strong competition.
Miniature horse judge Terry Fehr awarded the Champion and Reserve based on halter conformation classes, to the Bradwardine stable, Denise Longfield Miniatures.
