The gentle giants of the equine world were on display at the North Thompson Agriplex last Saturday as teamsters from Salmon Arm, Lillooet, 100 Mile House and locally turned out for an afternoon of driving the big teams. Spectators were welcome, as well as those who were not fully experienced at driving heavy horses as the teamsters, who have been doing this all their lives.
The demonstrations included driving in-hand (without a wagon), negotiating a pattern of orange cones with a stone-boat (or weighted sled), or finishing the day pulling a wagon. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest seemed to be having a great time.
Organizers of the event say they hope to do it again in the future, all part of promoting the heavy horse breed and driving draft horses. Of course it is also a prime opportunity to practice in advance for the heavy horse competitions at the annual North Thompson Fall Fair in September where the big horses and their teamsters go head to head in harness, halter, and exciting pull competitions.