Summer Thunder Experience heavy horses and Western heritage at the 25th annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo Words by Jessianne Castle Photography by Michelle Martin Randolph
As daylight begins its gentle descent across the open sky over Deer Lodge Valley, the barns at the local fairgrounds are already alit and abuzz. Inside, nimble fingers weave wiry horse hair into braids, strong backs swing 150 pounds of harness leather, and meticulous eyes examine the workings and appearance of the wagons. The horses have already been fed, clipped and bathed. It’s 6 a.m. in late June and heavy horse crews are busy preparing for the day to come. On this day, in this rural town, draft animals and their drivers will compete for best in show during the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo. On June 25-27, 2021, Deer Lodge will celebrate its 25th year hosting the event—the only annual draft horse show in the state—where national and international competitors travel to participate in the North American SixHorse Hitch Classic Series and open-class events. Spectators are invited to attend and cheer on the horses, as well as peruse a daily tradeshow and enjoy two nights of bluegrass music after the day’s driving events. After the Expo was postponed last year due to COVID-19, show organizers and competitors are eager this year to let the games begin. The Deer Lodge community—a still-rural pocket of the state with a grand total of 3,111 residents in 2010—is proud to support the show as a part of its larger vision to preserve Montana’s heritage and open spaces. “That’s what we’re all about.
“I want things like this so my greatgreat-grandchildren can see this same landscape, can experience Montana. A lot of people haven’t been exposed to these big beautiful horses. They’re just awesome. I love to feel their thunder.” - Deer Lodge Mayor Diana Solle. -cont. page 26
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