Six Horse Hitch 2009

How did people move freight, grain and produce before we had the big trucks and trailers? The mighty heavy horses were the only way you could move supplies around the country and you can see them in action at the Heavy Horse World Champion Six Horse Hitch at the Pengrowth Saddledome at noon Sunday, July 11. The Belgians, Clydsedales, Percherons and Shires are the breeds represented in one of my favourite Stampede events. From noon until 3 pm these bright, shiny wagons and harnesses strut to the sounds of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Another showcase for horsepower takes place in the Big Top on Sunday. The Vintage Tractor Show and Shine runs from 4 to 6 pm and gives the audience a taste of tractors from our past- anything made before 1960. I have likely driven many of the red tractors (International Harvester or McCormick Deering) involved. I still own three vintage tractors and I hope one day to compete in the event myself. I’ll see you at the shows – look after for me after 3!

By:  Reginald Tiangha

The definition of a Heavy Horse is any breed of horse that is suited to or used for drawing heavy loads.

The Calgary Stampede has two main committees that put on various events involving heavy horses for the public during Stampede week.

The Stampede’s Heavy Horse committee will showcase approximately 110 heavy horse competitions (called classes) during the first four days of Stampede as part of their Heavy Horse Show (held in the Saddledome and Big Top), while the Heavy Horse Pull committee will hold competitions during the final three days showcasing light, middle, and heavy weight classes of heavy horse as they try to pull loads of over five times their own body weight across various distances (held in the Big Top). (more…)