On September 22 - 25, 2016, draft horses and mules from all across North America will meet at the Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, Idaho for the 40th Annual North Idaho Draft Horse and Mule show.

Competition will run from the afternoon of Thursday, September 22 right through Sunday, September 25 with a range of classes showcasing the talents of these wonderful equines and their people. 

On Thursday, the action begins with the popular log skidding competition, with horses and mules demonstrating their impressive skills under the guidance of their teamsters.

Draft horse teamsters watch the draft mule teamsters at the 2015 show. Photo courtesy of NIDHMA Facebook page

Friday’s driving classes will include men’s and ladies’ cart and team driving for horses and mules, as well as four- and six-up conformation classes, unicorn hitch and four abreast.

Following amateur and junior driving on Saturday morning, the excitement will build with the afternoon’s tandem and antique/unique classes, followed by six- and eight-up driving and conformation classes, as well as light- and heavyweight pulling contests. 

A team of eight Belgians compete at the 2015 show. Photo courtesy of NIDHMA Facebook page 

Saturday evening is designated Pink Night in support of cancer awareness, and a line-up of featured classes for ladies, juniors and amateurs will round out the evening.

Sunday morning’s junior braiding and showmanship will be followed by ladies, peewee and tandem driving, and then teams of four, six, and eight will demonstrate their remarkable skills and close out the show.

A well-matched tandem hitch. Photo courtesy of NIDHMA Facebook page 

Outside the show ring there will be much to see and do. A trade show will satisfy your shopping and souvenir cravings, and be sure to visit the always-popular food vendors. Don’t miss the educational displays of historical items, the mounted shooting competition, and horse shoeing demonstrations, then take some time to meet the raffle colt, and visit the gentle giants in their stalls. 

For draft horse and mule enthusiasts, and all horse people who appreciate watching beautiful, talented equines perform at their best, this show is a must-see.

For more information please visit: www.idahodrafthorseshow.com.

Main photo: The log pull competition is seriously contested at the North Idaho Draft Horse & Mule Show. Photo courtesy of NIDHMA Facebook page.