Sussex, NB – From babes in arms to senior citizens, hundreds of spectators and exhibitors converged on the Princess Louise Park Show Centre in Sussex, NB on June 2nd and 3rd in celebration of National Horse Week.
Gentle Giants
In the main arena, a two-day Draft Horse Show, under the auspices of the New Brunswick Draft Horse Association, was held. Saturday’s competition focused on the adult teamsters in single, double, unicorn (3-horse) and 4-horse hitches, while Sunday’s event was for the juniors (under 18 years of age).
According to Association member Ann Paterson, this year’s event marks the 10th anniversary of the junior show. Originally the event was held as a one-day show for juniors only, but since moving to the PLP Show Centre it has evolved into a two-day event, with the first day being for the adults. Paterson said that this early in the season, the big horses can still be quite excitable, so the adults can handle them the first day to get them settled and used to the arena and show environment. Then, the horses are ready for the juniors on the second day.
Sunday’s classes began with a showmanship class for children under the age of six. These tiny teamsters competently exhibited their giant steeds under the watchful eyes of family members and officials. Donald Chisholm of Hopewell, Nova Scotia was the judge for the event. After each junior class he spent a few minutes speaking with the children encouraging their efforts. By getting the children involved at such a young age the Association hopes to keep the interest in, and history of, the horses, on whose backs the country was built, alive.
And agile cow ponies
Meanwhile, in the outdoor Ronnie Wilkins Memorial Cattle Penning arena the South West New Brunswick Cattle Penning Club hosted the first meet in the East Coast Series. Competitors came from throughout the Maritimes to show off their abilities to control and direct a herd of cattle. These skills on the part of both rider and well trained horse were historically critical to the management of livestock on the open range.
Jennifer McCleary of Lower Coverdale, NB, was the judge for the event which was proudly sponsored by Mike’s Barber Shop owner Julie Beers of Sussex, NB. Since this was the first competition in the Series, up to 40 Teams were expected to compete in the Open Division. A regular cattle penning competition usually draws about 10 Teams for that more advanced division.
The Princess Louise Park Show Centre is New Brunswick’s only dedicated agricultural show centre. The flexible facilities can accommodate approximately 200 horses, or even more cattle and other livestock. Most events are free to spectators and the ample parking is always free.
For more information, go to www.plpshowcentre.com
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