Draft Horse Show

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Welcome to the 30th annual

Britt Draft Horse Show Sept. 2-4, 2011 June 22, 2011

A publication of the Britt News Tribune

Britt News-Tribune

Welcome to the 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show The 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show will be held at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Britt on Sept. 2-4, 2011.

The show will feature some of the finest six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada, representing the best of the Belgian, Percheron and Clydesdale performance horses. Crews and horses will travel to Britt from as far away as Ohio and Nova Scotia, Canada.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people do not have the ability or opportunity to relax and enjoy a weekend that reminds them of days gone by, but that opportunity exists in Britt every Labor Day weekend.

Thousands of spectators young and old alike enjoy the show each year. What better place to remember the days when horsepower meant just what it sounds like? Also, what better place for the kids to ask Grandpa what it was like in the “old

days” when they didn’t have tractors and combines?

America was built with the help of these “gentle giants”. From hauling loads through the streets of the early cities on the East Coast to providing the power to cultivate the soil of the rich farm fields of the Midwest to helping move our population all the way to the West Coast, the draft horse grew to be fondly remembered by many generations.

The grandstand shows, held Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., provide two to three hours of entertainment for all ages. Competition is held in the men’s and ladies cart, team, unicorn, fourhorse and six-horse hitch classes.

At the Sunday afternoon show, the Britt News Tribune photo supreme six-horse hitch is chosen and all 18 six-horse hitches return to the arena at Big horses and big wagons are a freqent site at the annual draft horse show in Britt.

For SHOW see page 5.

The horses perform with precision and offer fans plenty of opportunties to appreciate their size and skill.

Live in Britt Fine Recreational Facilities including Nine Hole Golf Course

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June 22, 2011 • 11

Draft horse association gives appreciation for years of support The Britt Draft Horse Association would like to welcome everyone to the 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show Sept.2-4, 2011, at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Britt. The show will again feature 18 of the finest Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale and Shire six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada.

The Britt Draft Horse Association would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this show a great tradition in Britt every Labor Day Weekend.

- To the original board members, area draft horse enthusiasts and two local businesses, Kabrick Distributing and Marting

Manufacturing, who spent many hours planning for the first show held on Labor Day Weekend in 1982.

■ To the hitches and their crews and families. Your performances in competition each year really make this show an annual gathering of the very best.

■ To the Hancock County Ag Society for the use of the Hancock County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are a great place to hold this show each year.

■ To all those individuals, businesses and organizations who have helped support the show financially, as well as by providing hundreds of hours in donated time to put together and promote the show. We appre-

HISTORY: FROM PAGE 3 One of the highlights of the event happens on Sunday when all 18 hitches enter the ring at the same time to compete in the Classic Series six-horse hitch class.

Britt is the only place in the United States where an event such as this takes place. Dangerous and precise, it’s a chance for drivers to show off their skills in controlling the horses and handling their wagons.

“It’s really something to see, when all the horses are in the arena at once like that,” said Melodie Hiscocks, a member of the Britt Draft Horse Show Association. “We get more comments on that than anything every year.”

Each exhibitor at the Britt Draft Horse Show shows one entry in every class— men’s and ladies cart, team, unicorn, four-horse and six-horse hitch, as well as a supreme six competition. This way there are always nine entries per class. All the breeds show together.

Friday night is the youth class. The weekend events also include junior classes, a six-horse driving competition, eight-horse hitch class and halter classes.

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2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

ALSO OPEN FOR TOURS BY APPOINTMENT

The Ruby Realty team is a team from past shows.

Open 7 days a week for

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 441 Main Ave N, Britt

J&D HOB NOB

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Open Sat. & Sun. 1:30-4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day

WILL BE OPEN DURING THE DRAFT HORSE SHOW! MS-37491 MS-37491

Welcome to the 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

Submitted photo

We invite you to come and have a drink at the well with Dale and the crew!

79 Main Ave. N., Britt, IA.

The 1896 Larson/Armstrong House

Horses will begin arriving in Britt Wednesday, Aug. 30, and the Britt Draft Horse Association would like to make it a point to invite people out to the barns to see the horses being prepped and maybe learn more about the horses firsthand.

“One thing about the hitch people — they’re very friendly,” said Randy Hiscocks, another member of the association. “Don’t be afraid to ask them questions.”

Heartland Diner

DJ Y RDA SATUG NI HT

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ciate all you have done to make this one of the finest draft horse hitch shows in North America.

■ Finally, to all the spectators who attend the show each year. We have welcomed many of you to several shows over the years – some we have welcomed to all 29 of the previous shows. We look forward to seeing you again at the 30th-annual Britt Draft Horse Show.

If you have never attended the show, we extend a special invitation to you to join us and become a part of our show family. The Britt Draft Horse Association looks forward to celebrating the annual Britt Draft Horse Show and continuing the tradition for many years to come.

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2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

2 • June 22, 2011

MCNEESE TIRE “Big & Small, We Have Them All” CARS & TRUCKS • FARM EQUIPMENT • DUALS & HUBS

We Service What We Sell!

Emergency Service Available

1 1/2 Miles West of Britt 725 Hwy. 18 • Britt, Iowa

641-843-3536 Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:00 PM • Sat. by appt.

Follow the coverage of the draft horse show in th Britt News Tribune.

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

10 • June 22, 2011

Britt — a place to call home Draft Horse Show isn’t all the community has to offer visitors More than a century of small town living and friendly faces makes Britt a place to come home to.

For history buffs, the town actually dates back to about 1870 when a depot was built on the south side of the railroad tracks going through the area. This depot was named Britt after one of the railroad employees.

Britt became an official town in 1878. At that time, it consisted of 14 blocks.

From a small and humble beginning came a town both locals and hobos have come to call home.

Every town has history rich in tradition and hometown values. For the members of this small Iowa community, a sense of pride and heritage is what makes its annual celebrations one-of-akind events, including the National Hobo Convention. This event always takes place during the second weekend of August.

When the Britt Draft Horse Show rolls around, everyone in the community gets involved with the

celebration, including Britt businesses.

Britt’s hometown celebrations are just a few examples of how the residents of this progressive little town and those who live in Hancock County work together to improve the lives of everyone.

A GROWING COMMUNITY Shoppers from Britt and the surrounding area delight in all the local shops Britt has to offer.

From restaurants with hometown cooking to specialty shops, there are businesses in Britt to meet just about every need and to provide quality, smalltown service all without the hassles of big-town crowds and driving.

Small business owners and large industries have worked together to make sure the community continues to thrive and be attractive to newcomers and visitors while continuing to service the needs of residents.

The Britt Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO) was organized in 1957. Its goal was and still

is to continue to improve the community of Britt by attracting new industry and businesses.

Britt has a new stateof-the-art aquatic center, Laundromat, convenience stores, two full-service banks, great restaurants, a shoe store, a hardware store, several specialty gift stores, a florist, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a car dealership, 24-hour tow trucks and just about everything in between.

Britt News-Tribune

DRAFT HORSE TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW New to horses? Take a look at these important terms and their definitions:

BODY PARTS Poll -Area between the ears.

Crest - The area at the top of the neck.

Withers - The highest point on the horse’s back, located at the end of the mane or neck.

Croup - The highest part of the rump.

Stifle - The joint where the rear legs attach to the body, this is actually the horse’s knee.

Gaskin - The area between the stifle, and the next joint on the horse - the hock.

Hock - This joint, midway down the rear leg, is actually equivalent to the human ankle.

Cannons - The area between the hocks and fetlocks.

Fetlocks - The joint just above the hoof.

Pasterns - The area between the fetlock and hoof.

Feather - The long hair on the horse’s legs.

SEX AND AGE Mare - A female horse.

Stallion - A male horse.

Gelding - A castrated (neutered) male horse.

Filly - A baby female horse.

Colt - A baby male horse.

Yearling - For show purposes, a horse born the previous calendar year.

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

June 22, 2011 • 3

Annual show has a rich history of 30 years within the community of Britt Who would have thought a small town in rural North Central Iowa would become one of the hottest spots in draft horse competition in the U.S.? Perhaps it was the small group of individuals who first backed the project 30 years ago.

Right next to a cornfield in a town known more for its hobo history and agricultural background than for its horses, the first Britt Draft Horse Show was held Labor Day Weekend in 1982.

Today, it’s a jam-packed weekend show featuring some of the finest hitches in North America, say event organizers.

So, how did this show get its start?

The Britt Draft Horse Show began over coffee nearly three decades ago. At the time, there was a prominent Percheron hitch in Britt that traveled throughout the country attending shows. Those who came up with the idea for Britt to host its own draft horse show thought it would

be a great opportunity to show local people the kind of horse show they could find in other areas of the country.

Dave Kabrick, the local Budweiser distributor, decided to sponsor the show.

Paul Smith, vice-president of Marting Manufacturing, helped design and build the portable stalls for the first show.

The first show was held in 1982 and was a huge success. As the years progressed, the show now draws hitches from states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and even New Mexico. Hitches consisting of Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales will even come as far as Nova Scotia, Canada.

Many great volunteers in the community have been an integral part of the show since its inception.

Each year, the show is planned with the help of the Britt Draft Horse Show Association. There is no set number of

board members, and no one draws a Today, there are 18 hitches that compete salary for doing the work. It’s a labor of in Britt. love for everyone involved.

For HISTORY, see page 11.

Hosting the horse show is a not a moneymaking event. All the work the goes into the huge project is done for the love of horses and to promote the community. Financially, the show depends on the BATTERIES, PARTS & FULL SERVICE Professional Mechanics on duty to weather and a good gate to service your golf car. bring in seed money for the Stop In & Check Out Our Showroom next year, but winners are given cash prizes and everyone loves coming to Britt.

The premise of the show has always been simple— Britt, Iowa 641-843-4132 keep people happy and James Ave. South (1/2 mile) entertained, which include “It’s the service after the sale that counts” the horse families showing.

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If you are intrigued with our town & would like to live here year round, see us for all your housing needs!

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Giving back to our community for over 90+ years

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Paul J. Kelly, Realtor Paul J. Kelly - 641-843-4102 DeAnna Kelly, Salesperson - Home 641-843-3137 45 Main Ave. So., Britt, Iowa 50423 Office: 641-843-4102 MS-37516

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Britt City Council - Front row from l-r Curt Gast, Mayor David Mitchell and Gary Gelner.

Back row - Mike Ostercamp, Bryan Aitchison, Doug Weiland and City Clerk Jeanie Purvis.

445 8th Ave. SW. Britt, IA 50423 641-843-3835 www.abcmcorp.com MS-38377

Whether it’s watching hitches compete, visiting with draft horse owners, or visiting our unique shops and museums, the Draft Horse Show provides a fun-filled weekend away.

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●

David Mitchell, Mayor of Britt Jeanie Purvis, City Clerk; Darcy Eisenman, Deputy Clerk

City Hall - 843-4433...Police - 843-3822...Hospital - 843-5000

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide Scenes from 30 years of draft horse shows 4 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

June 22, 2011 • 9

30th ANNUAL DRAFT HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE Sept. 2-4, 2011 — Hancock County Fairgrounds — Britt, Iowa Friday, Sept. 2

Receive 25% off

Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $2 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

your total purchase

6 p.m. : Junior and amateur show and six-horse hitch driving competition

(1 time visit only)

Saturday, Sept. 3 Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $8 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

9 a.m. : Junior groomer and junior showmanship classes 10 a.m. : Halter classes for hitch horses 2 p.m. : Draft horse grandstand show, featuring ladies and men’s cart, unicorn and two, four and six-horse hitch classes

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Open Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM to Noon

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Sunday, Sept. 4 Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $8 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

2 p.m. : Draft horse grandstand show featuring ladies and men’s cart, unicorn and two, four and six-horse hitch classes. The show also will showcase the supreme six-horse hitch and Classic Series six-horse hitch classes.

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Attorneys at Law 95 Main Ave. S. • Britt, IA 641-843-3873 Welcome to the 30th Britt Draft Horse Show

Renee Diemer

(641) 843-3876 970 HWY. 18 EAST • BRITT, IOWA

AG MUSEUM Welcome to the Draft Horse Show!

Open Saturday, & Sunday, Sept. 3rd & 4th OTHERWISE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT MAY THRU SEPTEMBER Call 641-843-4362 or 641-843-3295

(641) 843-3080 1 Main Ave. S. • Britt, Iowa JoAnn Burgardt, Owner

Like the draft horse, we work hard for our community

We help make dreams come true...

Enjoy your visit to the 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

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Sunday 7 a.m. - Noon

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We accept all major credit cards.

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We accept all major credit cards

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DIEMER REALTY

This year’s Draft Horse Show offers food, on-site camping with full hookups and commemorative belt buckles. For more information, contact members of the Britt Draft Horse Association at: P.O. Box 312 Britt, IA 50423, or call (641) 843-4181, (515) 928-2589 or (641) 843-4376. During the show, information can be obtained by calling (641) 843-3820. The Britt Draft Horse Show is sponsored by the Britt Draft Horse Association and is a qualifying point show for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series.

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday ~ 9:30 AM-4 PM Saturday ~ 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Closed Sunday & Monday MS-37494

Light, Med. & Heavy Duty 24/7 Towing & Recovery

After Hours Call 641-843-8027

Homemade Pickles & Jelly

Boekelman Grain Equipment, Paul & Amy Boekelman 765 250th St., Britt, IA 50423 • 641-843-3734

See our website at: www.brittnewstribune.com

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

8 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

SHOW: FROM PAGE 2

Hitches take top honors in supreme six class 1982 - Dave and Linda Adams; Britt.

1983 - Quailhurst Farms; Sherwood, Ore. 1984 - Miller Container; Milan, Ill. 1985 - Harold McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1986 - Harold McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1987 - Harold and Dale McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1988 - Ponderay Ranch; Sandpoint, Idaho.

1989 - Breezy Hill Farm; Sutton, Mass.

1990 - Carousel Farms; Ankeny, Iowa.

1991 - Argonaut Farms; Glenwood Springs, Colo.

1992 - Grange Belgians; Delmar, Iowa.

1993 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa 1994 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa.

1995 - Otterbrook Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1996 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa.

1997 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1998 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1999 - H & S Belgians; Cottage Grove, Wis.

Britt News-Tribune

2000 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2001 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2002 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2003 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2004 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2005 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2006 - Schumacher Percherons; Plainview, Minn.

2007 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2008 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2009 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2010 - Ames Percherons, Jordan Minn.

Submitted photo

Show fans may remember some of these participants from a show held during on of he past 30 years.

the same time for the Classic Series six-horse hitch class.

The Britt Draft Horse Show is a recognized, qualifying show for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Series. Each year, more than 175 six-horse hitches from the U.S. and Canada compete at state and county fairs and agricultural exhibitions throughout North America to accumulate points in the Classic Series. The four highest-point hitches in each of the three breed classifications are invited to compete at the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series Final Championship.

The weekend events also include junior classes, a sixhorse driving competition, eight-horse hitch class and halter classes.

The Britt Draft Horse Show is featured in the video, “Gentle Giants: Window to Our Heritage”, funded in part by a grant from the Iowa Humanities Board and the National Endowment for the Humanities. For many Iowans and others from a rural background, the draft horse is a symbol of their heritage, but the draft horse is from an era that has come and gone in less than a century.

The Hancock County Agriculture Museum also is located on the Hancock County Fairgrounds and will be

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide open for the weekend. .

Planning for the 2011 show began in September 2010, following the close of the successful 29th-annual show.

The show’s sponsor, the Britt Draft Horse Association, depends on the help and support of local and area businesses, organizations and individuals who provide monetary donations and hundreds of hours of donated time to put together one of the finest draft horse hitch shows in North America.

The fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. each day. The public can wander through the barns and visit with crews.

Spectators also are invited to visit the commercial building, which houses exhibitor booths offering souvenir T-shirts, commemorative belt buckles from the show, model hitches, ceramics, gift items, paintings and prints, livestock equipment and many other items of interest. Food and full hook-up camping facilities are also available on the grounds. Admission for Friday is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-10. Children ages 5 and under are free. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $8 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-10 and children ages 5 and under are free. For more information on the show, commercial exhibit space or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Britt Draft Horse Association, PO Box 312, Britt, IA 50423; or call (641) 843-4181, (515) 928-2589 or (641) 843-4376.

Welcome You

September 2 - 4

To Britt and To The 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

Doll Distributing Spencer, Iowa

See a draft horse up close The gate opens early each day of the show so spectators can walk through the grounds and see the horses up close. It’s also a chance to visit about the animals with owners and caretakers

Welcome to the 30th Draft Horse Show.

Enjoy Your Stay In Britt

2320 Iowa Ave., Britt, IA

MS-37487

Welcome to the 30th Annual Our Britt Draft ATM’s are locate d on s Horse Show ite and at

We At:

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June 22, 2011 • 5

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the Britt Food C enter

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

6 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

Britt News-Tribune

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

June 22, 2011 • 7

Each draft horse has unique characteristics Belgians in North America are divided into two groups—modern and old-style.

Modern—or American—Belgians are leggier and have more slope to the shoulder than old-style Belgians, or Brabants. In the United States, the former are common while the latter are relatively rare.

The Belgian is bred for its ability to efficiently convert feed to flesh and muscle. This horse has heavy muscling, a deep chest, wide barrel, powerful hindquarters and an active boldness, yet is willing and docile.

These traits made the Belgian the most popular draft horse in the United States among horse farmers, loggers and pullers.

PERCHERONS Percherons originated in the La Perche region of northwest France.

They are compact and muscular, yet retain from their Arabian ancestry an elegance and active way of going.

The neck is crested and the face is refined with the large, dark eyes.

Color may vary from black to dapple gray or blue roan, some of which eventually turn white. In some areas, sorrel is a common color.

Percherons have little feathering on the legs and were used for farming, logging and pulling contests, as well as to pull heavy wagons for advertising and for carriage rides on city streets and at historical sites.

Percherons are now becoming more popular for riding.

CLYDESDALES AND SHIRES Clydesdales originated in the Clyde River Valley of Scotland and owe much of their heritage to the Great Horse of the Middle Ages.

In their home country, they became famous for their size, power and snappy looks. Not only could they pull heavy weight—whether plowing steep, rough hills or pulling a freight wagon from city to city— but they looked stylish doing it.

BELGIAN FACTS

PERCHERON FACTS

■ Color— sorrel, roan or chestnut.

■ Brabant— roan or bay.

■ Average weight — 1,400 - 1,800 pounds.

■ Average height — 16 - 17 hands.

■ Temperament — bold and active, willing yet docile.

■ Uses — heavy draft, farm work and pulling contests.

■ Color— black, blue roan, dapple gray, white or sorrel.

■ Average weight — 1,500 pounds.

■ Average height — 15.2 - 17 hands.

■ Temperament —active, energetic, good-natured and intelligent.

■ Uses — heavy draft, driving, carriage service and riding.

While the Clydesdale remained a farm horse, it quickly found its calling as a freight horse because of its size, power, quick way of going and because it attracted attention, therefore advertising the owner’s wares.

For the same reasons the Clydesdale was so popular in Scotland and much of Europe, it quickly gained favor in Canada and the United States. Abundant white feathering on the feet is a trademark of this breed, although those who worked horses in the field found the extra grooming required to keep the feathering clean to be a slight detriment; therefore, Clydesdales are commonly seen in exhibition hitches for brewery companies, as well as in shows and parades. In the United States, there are more Clydesdales than the similar looking Shire, although the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists both as rare breeds.

BRITT CHAMBER

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(641) 843-3867 21 MAIN AVE. N • BRITT, IOWA

BRITT SOUVENIRS AT THE COBBLER SHOPPE BOOTH

641-843-4552 • Britt, Ia 50423 Serving Your Electrical needs during the Draft Horse Show and Always!

2430 Kent Avenue •

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Submitted photo

Horses weren’t the only animals pulling wagons at prior draft horse shows. Years ago, spectators watched a group of dogs show off their skills.

WELCOME TO BRITT Stop In and View Our Large Selection of Merchandise ...

CLYDESDALE FACTS

See our areas featuring Jewelry, Purses, Shoes, Bags, Clothing - Ladies & Infant

■ Color— bay, brown, roan or black with white blaze and stockings.

■ Average weight — 1,700 - 2,200 pounds.

■ Average height — 16.2 - 18.2 hands.

■ Temperament — active, gentle and responsive.

■ Uses — heavy draft.

For a Great 30TH ANNUAL Britt Draft Horse Show 63 Main Ave. South, Britt, Iowa MS-39257

Welcome to the 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show!

641-843-3570

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BELGIAN DRAFT HORSES

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Don’t forget to check our websit in September for draft horse coverage. www.brittnewstribune.com

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2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

6 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

Britt News-Tribune

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

June 22, 2011 • 7

Each draft horse has unique characteristics Belgians in North America are divided into two groups—modern and old-style.

Modern—or American—Belgians are leggier and have more slope to the shoulder than old-style Belgians, or Brabants. In the United States, the former are common while the latter are relatively rare.

The Belgian is bred for its ability to efficiently convert feed to flesh and muscle. This horse has heavy muscling, a deep chest, wide barrel, powerful hindquarters and an active boldness, yet is willing and docile.

These traits made the Belgian the most popular draft horse in the United States among horse farmers, loggers and pullers.

PERCHERONS Percherons originated in the La Perche region of northwest France.

They are compact and muscular, yet retain from their Arabian ancestry an elegance and active way of going.

The neck is crested and the face is refined with the large, dark eyes.

Color may vary from black to dapple gray or blue roan, some of which eventually turn white. In some areas, sorrel is a common color.

Percherons have little feathering on the legs and were used for farming, logging and pulling contests, as well as to pull heavy wagons for advertising and for carriage rides on city streets and at historical sites.

Percherons are now becoming more popular for riding.

CLYDESDALES AND SHIRES Clydesdales originated in the Clyde River Valley of Scotland and owe much of their heritage to the Great Horse of the Middle Ages.

In their home country, they became famous for their size, power and snappy looks. Not only could they pull heavy weight—whether plowing steep, rough hills or pulling a freight wagon from city to city— but they looked stylish doing it.

BELGIAN FACTS

PERCHERON FACTS

■ Color— sorrel, roan or chestnut.

■ Brabant— roan or bay.

■ Average weight — 1,400 - 1,800 pounds.

■ Average height — 16 - 17 hands.

■ Temperament — bold and active, willing yet docile.

■ Uses — heavy draft, farm work and pulling contests.

■ Color— black, blue roan, dapple gray, white or sorrel.

■ Average weight — 1,500 pounds.

■ Average height — 15.2 - 17 hands.

■ Temperament —active, energetic, good-natured and intelligent.

■ Uses — heavy draft, driving, carriage service and riding.

While the Clydesdale remained a farm horse, it quickly found its calling as a freight horse because of its size, power, quick way of going and because it attracted attention, therefore advertising the owner’s wares.

For the same reasons the Clydesdale was so popular in Scotland and much of Europe, it quickly gained favor in Canada and the United States. Abundant white feathering on the feet is a trademark of this breed, although those who worked horses in the field found the extra grooming required to keep the feathering clean to be a slight detriment; therefore, Clydesdales are commonly seen in exhibition hitches for brewery companies, as well as in shows and parades. In the United States, there are more Clydesdales than the similar looking Shire, although the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy lists both as rare breeds.

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Submitted photo

Horses weren’t the only animals pulling wagons at prior draft horse shows. Years ago, spectators watched a group of dogs show off their skills.

WELCOME TO BRITT Stop In and View Our Large Selection of Merchandise ...

CLYDESDALE FACTS

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■ Color— bay, brown, roan or black with white blaze and stockings.

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■ Temperament — active, gentle and responsive.

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2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

8 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

SHOW: FROM PAGE 2

Hitches take top honors in supreme six class 1982 - Dave and Linda Adams; Britt.

1983 - Quailhurst Farms; Sherwood, Ore. 1984 - Miller Container; Milan, Ill. 1985 - Harold McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1986 - Harold McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1987 - Harold and Dale McMain; Delmar, Iowa.

1988 - Ponderay Ranch; Sandpoint, Idaho.

1989 - Breezy Hill Farm; Sutton, Mass.

1990 - Carousel Farms; Ankeny, Iowa.

1991 - Argonaut Farms; Glenwood Springs, Colo.

1992 - Grange Belgians; Delmar, Iowa.

1993 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa 1994 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa.

1995 - Otterbrook Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1996 - Brislawn Clydesdales; Troy Mills, Iowa.

1997 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1998 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

1999 - H & S Belgians; Cottage Grove, Wis.

Britt News-Tribune

2000 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2001 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2002 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2003 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2004 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2005 - Ames Percherons; Jordan, Minn.

2006 - Schumacher Percherons; Plainview, Minn.

2007 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2008 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2009 - Cape Cod Percherons; Nova Scotia, Canada.

2010 - Ames Percherons, Jordan Minn.

Submitted photo

Show fans may remember some of these participants from a show held during on of he past 30 years.

the same time for the Classic Series six-horse hitch class.

The Britt Draft Horse Show is a recognized, qualifying show for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Series. Each year, more than 175 six-horse hitches from the U.S. and Canada compete at state and county fairs and agricultural exhibitions throughout North America to accumulate points in the Classic Series. The four highest-point hitches in each of the three breed classifications are invited to compete at the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series Final Championship.

The weekend events also include junior classes, a sixhorse driving competition, eight-horse hitch class and halter classes.

The Britt Draft Horse Show is featured in the video, “Gentle Giants: Window to Our Heritage”, funded in part by a grant from the Iowa Humanities Board and the National Endowment for the Humanities. For many Iowans and others from a rural background, the draft horse is a symbol of their heritage, but the draft horse is from an era that has come and gone in less than a century.

The Hancock County Agriculture Museum also is located on the Hancock County Fairgrounds and will be

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide open for the weekend. .

Planning for the 2011 show began in September 2010, following the close of the successful 29th-annual show.

The show’s sponsor, the Britt Draft Horse Association, depends on the help and support of local and area businesses, organizations and individuals who provide monetary donations and hundreds of hours of donated time to put together one of the finest draft horse hitch shows in North America.

The fairgrounds open at 7 a.m. each day. The public can wander through the barns and visit with crews.

Spectators also are invited to visit the commercial building, which houses exhibitor booths offering souvenir T-shirts, commemorative belt buckles from the show, model hitches, ceramics, gift items, paintings and prints, livestock equipment and many other items of interest. Food and full hook-up camping facilities are also available on the grounds. Admission for Friday is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-10. Children ages 5 and under are free. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $8 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-10 and children ages 5 and under are free. For more information on the show, commercial exhibit space or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Britt Draft Horse Association, PO Box 312, Britt, IA 50423; or call (641) 843-4181, (515) 928-2589 or (641) 843-4376.

Welcome You

September 2 - 4

To Britt and To The 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

Doll Distributing Spencer, Iowa

See a draft horse up close The gate opens early each day of the show so spectators can walk through the grounds and see the horses up close. It’s also a chance to visit about the animals with owners and caretakers

Welcome to the 30th Draft Horse Show.

Enjoy Your Stay In Britt

2320 Iowa Ave., Britt, IA

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Welcome to the 30th Annual Our Britt Draft ATM’s are locate d on s Horse Show ite and at

We At:

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June 22, 2011 • 5

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the Britt Food C enter

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide Scenes from 30 years of draft horse shows 4 • June 22, 2011

Britt News-Tribune

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

June 22, 2011 • 9

30th ANNUAL DRAFT HORSE SHOW SCHEDULE Sept. 2-4, 2011 — Hancock County Fairgrounds — Britt, Iowa Friday, Sept. 2

Receive 25% off

Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $2 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

your total purchase

6 p.m. : Junior and amateur show and six-horse hitch driving competition

(1 time visit only)

Saturday, Sept. 3 Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $8 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

9 a.m. : Junior groomer and junior showmanship classes 10 a.m. : Halter classes for hitch horses 2 p.m. : Draft horse grandstand show, featuring ladies and men’s cart, unicorn and two, four and six-horse hitch classes

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VALID ONLY Aug. 29 - Sept. 2

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Sunday, Sept. 4 Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission — $8 for adults, $1 for kids ages 6-12, kids under 5 are free

2 p.m. : Draft horse grandstand show featuring ladies and men’s cart, unicorn and two, four and six-horse hitch classes. The show also will showcase the supreme six-horse hitch and Classic Series six-horse hitch classes.

641-843-9073 162 -2nd St. NW Britt MS-37506

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Attorneys at Law 95 Main Ave. S. • Britt, IA 641-843-3873 Welcome to the 30th Britt Draft Horse Show

Renee Diemer

(641) 843-3876 970 HWY. 18 EAST • BRITT, IOWA

AG MUSEUM Welcome to the Draft Horse Show!

Open Saturday, & Sunday, Sept. 3rd & 4th OTHERWISE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT MAY THRU SEPTEMBER Call 641-843-4362 or 641-843-3295

(641) 843-3080 1 Main Ave. S. • Britt, Iowa JoAnn Burgardt, Owner

Like the draft horse, we work hard for our community

We help make dreams come true...

Enjoy your visit to the 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

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Sunday 7 a.m. - Noon

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DIEMER REALTY

This year’s Draft Horse Show offers food, on-site camping with full hookups and commemorative belt buckles. For more information, contact members of the Britt Draft Horse Association at: P.O. Box 312 Britt, IA 50423, or call (641) 843-4181, (515) 928-2589 or (641) 843-4376. During the show, information can be obtained by calling (641) 843-3820. The Britt Draft Horse Show is sponsored by the Britt Draft Horse Association and is a qualifying point show for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series.

HOURS: Tuesday-Friday ~ 9:30 AM-4 PM Saturday ~ 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Closed Sunday & Monday MS-37494

Light, Med. & Heavy Duty 24/7 Towing & Recovery

After Hours Call 641-843-8027

Homemade Pickles & Jelly

Boekelman Grain Equipment, Paul & Amy Boekelman 765 250th St., Britt, IA 50423 • 641-843-3734

See our website at: www.brittnewstribune.com

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

10 • June 22, 2011

Britt — a place to call home Draft Horse Show isn’t all the community has to offer visitors More than a century of small town living and friendly faces makes Britt a place to come home to.

For history buffs, the town actually dates back to about 1870 when a depot was built on the south side of the railroad tracks going through the area. This depot was named Britt after one of the railroad employees.

Britt became an official town in 1878. At that time, it consisted of 14 blocks.

From a small and humble beginning came a town both locals and hobos have come to call home.

Every town has history rich in tradition and hometown values. For the members of this small Iowa community, a sense of pride and heritage is what makes its annual celebrations one-of-akind events, including the National Hobo Convention. This event always takes place during the second weekend of August.

When the Britt Draft Horse Show rolls around, everyone in the community gets involved with the

celebration, including Britt businesses.

Britt’s hometown celebrations are just a few examples of how the residents of this progressive little town and those who live in Hancock County work together to improve the lives of everyone.

A GROWING COMMUNITY Shoppers from Britt and the surrounding area delight in all the local shops Britt has to offer.

From restaurants with hometown cooking to specialty shops, there are businesses in Britt to meet just about every need and to provide quality, smalltown service all without the hassles of big-town crowds and driving.

Small business owners and large industries have worked together to make sure the community continues to thrive and be attractive to newcomers and visitors while continuing to service the needs of residents.

The Britt Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCO) was organized in 1957. Its goal was and still

is to continue to improve the community of Britt by attracting new industry and businesses.

Britt has a new stateof-the-art aquatic center, Laundromat, convenience stores, two full-service banks, great restaurants, a shoe store, a hardware store, several specialty gift stores, a florist, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a car dealership, 24-hour tow trucks and just about everything in between.

Britt News-Tribune

DRAFT HORSE TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW New to horses? Take a look at these important terms and their definitions:

BODY PARTS Poll -Area between the ears.

Crest - The area at the top of the neck.

Withers - The highest point on the horse’s back, located at the end of the mane or neck.

Croup - The highest part of the rump.

Stifle - The joint where the rear legs attach to the body, this is actually the horse’s knee.

Gaskin - The area between the stifle, and the next joint on the horse - the hock.

Hock - This joint, midway down the rear leg, is actually equivalent to the human ankle.

Cannons - The area between the hocks and fetlocks.

Fetlocks - The joint just above the hoof.

Pasterns - The area between the fetlock and hoof.

Feather - The long hair on the horse’s legs.

SEX AND AGE Mare - A female horse.

Stallion - A male horse.

Gelding - A castrated (neutered) male horse.

Filly - A baby female horse.

Colt - A baby male horse.

Yearling - For show purposes, a horse born the previous calendar year.

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

June 22, 2011 • 3

Annual show has a rich history of 30 years within the community of Britt Who would have thought a small town in rural North Central Iowa would become one of the hottest spots in draft horse competition in the U.S.? Perhaps it was the small group of individuals who first backed the project 30 years ago.

Right next to a cornfield in a town known more for its hobo history and agricultural background than for its horses, the first Britt Draft Horse Show was held Labor Day Weekend in 1982.

Today, it’s a jam-packed weekend show featuring some of the finest hitches in North America, say event organizers.

So, how did this show get its start?

The Britt Draft Horse Show began over coffee nearly three decades ago. At the time, there was a prominent Percheron hitch in Britt that traveled throughout the country attending shows. Those who came up with the idea for Britt to host its own draft horse show thought it would

be a great opportunity to show local people the kind of horse show they could find in other areas of the country.

Dave Kabrick, the local Budweiser distributor, decided to sponsor the show.

Paul Smith, vice-president of Marting Manufacturing, helped design and build the portable stalls for the first show.

The first show was held in 1982 and was a huge success. As the years progressed, the show now draws hitches from states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and even New Mexico. Hitches consisting of Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales will even come as far as Nova Scotia, Canada.

Many great volunteers in the community have been an integral part of the show since its inception.

Each year, the show is planned with the help of the Britt Draft Horse Show Association. There is no set number of

board members, and no one draws a Today, there are 18 hitches that compete salary for doing the work. It’s a labor of in Britt. love for everyone involved.

For HISTORY, see page 11.

Hosting the horse show is a not a moneymaking event. All the work the goes into the huge project is done for the love of horses and to promote the community. Financially, the show depends on the BATTERIES, PARTS & FULL SERVICE Professional Mechanics on duty to weather and a good gate to service your golf car. bring in seed money for the Stop In & Check Out Our Showroom next year, but winners are given cash prizes and everyone loves coming to Britt.

The premise of the show has always been simple— Britt, Iowa 641-843-4132 keep people happy and James Ave. South (1/2 mile) entertained, which include “It’s the service after the sale that counts” the horse families showing.

GOLF CARS

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Welcome to Britt!

2008 PRESIDENT’S AWARD-WINNING DEALERSHIP

Welcome To Britt, We’re Glad You’re Here!

THIS AWARD IS BASED ON OUTSTANDING SALES & SERVICE WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

If you are intrigued with our town & would like to live here year round, see us for all your housing needs!

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

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PRITCHARD AUTO CO.

Giving back to our community for over 90+ years

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Paul J. Kelly, Realtor Paul J. Kelly - 641-843-4102 DeAnna Kelly, Salesperson - Home 641-843-3137 45 Main Ave. So., Britt, Iowa 50423 Office: 641-843-4102 MS-37516

980 HWY 18 EAST • BRITT, IOWA

Stop in & get your next new or pre-owned vehicle from Pritchard Auto Co.

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REHAB-TO-HOME CARE Alzheimer’s Care ● Short and Long-Term Care ● 24-Hour Skilled Care ● Medicare/Medicaid Certified

Britt City Council - Front row from l-r Curt Gast, Mayor David Mitchell and Gary Gelner.

Back row - Mike Ostercamp, Bryan Aitchison, Doug Weiland and City Clerk Jeanie Purvis.

445 8th Ave. SW. Britt, IA 50423 641-843-3835 www.abcmcorp.com MS-38377

Whether it’s watching hitches compete, visiting with draft horse owners, or visiting our unique shops and museums, the Draft Horse Show provides a fun-filled weekend away.

4 MS-37518

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●

David Mitchell, Mayor of Britt Jeanie Purvis, City Clerk; Darcy Eisenman, Deputy Clerk

City Hall - 843-4433...Police - 843-3822...Hospital - 843-5000

Britt News-Tribune

Welcome to the 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show The 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show will be held at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Britt on Sept. 2-4, 2011.

The show will feature some of the finest six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada, representing the best of the Belgian, Percheron and Clydesdale performance horses. Crews and horses will travel to Britt from as far away as Ohio and Nova Scotia, Canada.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people do not have the ability or opportunity to relax and enjoy a weekend that reminds them of days gone by, but that opportunity exists in Britt every Labor Day weekend.

Thousands of spectators young and old alike enjoy the show each year. What better place to remember the days when horsepower meant just what it sounds like? Also, what better place for the kids to ask Grandpa what it was like in the “old

days” when they didn’t have tractors and combines?

America was built with the help of these “gentle giants”. From hauling loads through the streets of the early cities on the East Coast to providing the power to cultivate the soil of the rich farm fields of the Midwest to helping move our population all the way to the West Coast, the draft horse grew to be fondly remembered by many generations.

The grandstand shows, held Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., provide two to three hours of entertainment for all ages. Competition is held in the men’s and ladies cart, team, unicorn, fourhorse and six-horse hitch classes.

At the Sunday afternoon show, the Britt News Tribune photo supreme six-horse hitch is chosen and all 18 six-horse hitches return to the arena at Big horses and big wagons are a freqent site at the annual draft horse show in Britt.

For SHOW see page 5.

The horses perform with precision and offer fans plenty of opportunties to appreciate their size and skill.

Live in Britt Fine Recreational Facilities including Nine Hole Golf Course

Work in Britt Shop in Britt Bank with First State Bank in Britt

West Hancock Schools

New Community Construction

It’s A Good Way To Help Our Community Grow!

Hancock County Memorial Hospital and Britt Medical Center

Convenient Hometown Banking

Britt - (641) 843-4411 • Woden - (641) 926-5333 www.fsb-britt.com

June 22, 2011 • 11

Draft horse association gives appreciation for years of support The Britt Draft Horse Association would like to welcome everyone to the 30th annual Britt Draft Horse Show Sept.2-4, 2011, at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Britt. The show will again feature 18 of the finest Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale and Shire six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada.

The Britt Draft Horse Association would like to thank everyone who helped in any way to make this show a great tradition in Britt every Labor Day Weekend.

- To the original board members, area draft horse enthusiasts and two local businesses, Kabrick Distributing and Marting

Manufacturing, who spent many hours planning for the first show held on Labor Day Weekend in 1982.

■ To the hitches and their crews and families. Your performances in competition each year really make this show an annual gathering of the very best.

■ To the Hancock County Ag Society for the use of the Hancock County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds are a great place to hold this show each year.

■ To all those individuals, businesses and organizations who have helped support the show financially, as well as by providing hundreds of hours in donated time to put together and promote the show. We appre-

HISTORY: FROM PAGE 3 One of the highlights of the event happens on Sunday when all 18 hitches enter the ring at the same time to compete in the Classic Series six-horse hitch class.

Britt is the only place in the United States where an event such as this takes place. Dangerous and precise, it’s a chance for drivers to show off their skills in controlling the horses and handling their wagons.

“It’s really something to see, when all the horses are in the arena at once like that,” said Melodie Hiscocks, a member of the Britt Draft Horse Show Association. “We get more comments on that than anything every year.”

Each exhibitor at the Britt Draft Horse Show shows one entry in every class— men’s and ladies cart, team, unicorn, four-horse and six-horse hitch, as well as a supreme six competition. This way there are always nine entries per class. All the breeds show together.

Friday night is the youth class. The weekend events also include junior classes, a six-horse driving competition, eight-horse hitch class and halter classes.

A Thriving Downtown

FIRST STATE BANK MS-38820

2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

Britt News-Tribune

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

ALSO OPEN FOR TOURS BY APPOINTMENT

The Ruby Realty team is a team from past shows.

Open 7 days a week for

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER 441 Main Ave N, Britt

J&D HOB NOB

641-843-3002

641-843-3542 MS-38706

Open Sat. & Sun. 1:30-4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day

WILL BE OPEN DURING THE DRAFT HORSE SHOW! MS-37491 MS-37491

Welcome to the 30th Annual Britt Draft Horse Show

Submitted photo

We invite you to come and have a drink at the well with Dale and the crew!

79 Main Ave. N., Britt, IA.

The 1896 Larson/Armstrong House

Horses will begin arriving in Britt Wednesday, Aug. 30, and the Britt Draft Horse Association would like to make it a point to invite people out to the barns to see the horses being prepped and maybe learn more about the horses firsthand.

“One thing about the hitch people — they’re very friendly,” said Randy Hiscocks, another member of the association. “Don’t be afraid to ask them questions.”

Heartland Diner

DJ Y RDA SATUG NI HT

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ciate all you have done to make this one of the finest draft horse hitch shows in North America.

■ Finally, to all the spectators who attend the show each year. We have welcomed many of you to several shows over the years – some we have welcomed to all 29 of the previous shows. We look forward to seeing you again at the 30th-annual Britt Draft Horse Show.

If you have never attended the show, we extend a special invitation to you to join us and become a part of our show family. The Britt Draft Horse Association looks forward to celebrating the annual Britt Draft Horse Show and continuing the tradition for many years to come.

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2011 Draft Horse Show Guide

2 • June 22, 2011

MCNEESE TIRE “Big & Small, We Have Them All” CARS & TRUCKS • FARM EQUIPMENT • DUALS & HUBS

We Service What We Sell!

Emergency Service Available

1 1/2 Miles West of Britt 725 Hwy. 18 • Britt, Iowa

641-843-3536 Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:00 PM • Sat. by appt.

Follow the coverage of the draft horse show in th Britt News Tribune.

Hancock County Memorial Hospital A team of health care professionals committed to the health and well-being of the families and communities we serve.

BRITT MEDICAL CLINIC 641-843-5050

641-843-5000

GARNER MEDICAL CLINIC 641-923-2651 KANAWHA MEDICAL CLINIC 641-762-3696 WESLEY MEDICAL CLINIC 515-679-4285 MS-37514

Your Health - Our Care...

A Lasting Partnership

Welcome to the 30th annual

Britt Draft Horse Show Sept. 2-4, 2011 June 22, 2011

A publication of the Britt News Tribune