In today’s fast-paced world, many people do not have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a weekend that reminds them of days gone by. But, that opportunity exists in Britt, Iowa, every Labor Day weekend. For many Iowans and others from a rural background, the draft horse is a symbol of their heritage. But, the era that the draft horse represents is one that has come and gone in less than a century.
The Britt Draft Horse Show is a window to that heritage. The first Britt Draft Horse Show was held on Labor Day weekend, 1982, at the Hancock County Fairgrounds just south of town. It was organized when a group of local draft horse enthusiasts felt there was a need for this type of performance in the area. Each year the show features eighteen of the finest draft horse hitches in North America, representing the very best of the Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale and Shire performance horses. This unique event draws thousands of spectators, young and old alike, from all over the Midwest. Gates open early each morning so spectators can watch the crews ready the “gentle giants” for competition. Afternoon shows are held Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Competition is held in the ladies’ cart, men’s cart, team, unicorn, four-horse, and six-horse hitch classes, providing a complete performance each day. The highlight of Sunday afternoon is the competition of all eighteen six-horse hitches in the arena at one time in the Classic Series Six-Horse hitch class, a qualifying class for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series. Competition is also held in youth classes and halter classes. The weekend event includes lunch on the grounds, a commercial building, and camping is available. Admission for Friday is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children age 6-12, and children age 5 and under are free. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $10.00 for adults, $1.00 for children age 6-12, and children age 5 and under are free. The event is sponsored by the Britt Draft Horse Association and is put on with the help of local individuals, businesses, and organizations who donate hundreds of hours to put together one of the finest draft horse hitch shows in North America. There is not another show to compare with this annual gathering of the very best! For more information on the show or commercial exhibit space, please contact:
Britt Draft Horse Association
PO Box 312, Britt, Iowa 50423
Or call 641-843-4181 or 641-843-0904
