Third Annual Youth Clinic & Farm Harness Classic Held

By Brenda Hunter
The Manitoba Percheron Belgian Club recently hosted a two-day youth clinic in conjunction with their annual Farm Harness Classic held the 3rd weekend in June this year, in Virden, Manitoba.

For the past two years, the clinic has been instructed by Brian and Colleen Coleman of Didsbury, AB. Clinician for this year's event was none other than Jim Westbrook, formally of Ames Percherons, Jordan, MN, and now with McMahens 2S Clydesdales of Schulenburg, TX. He, along with assistant Michelle Amor, capably provided age appropriate instruction to the 20 eager participants. Material covered included showmanship, conformation of a draft horse, decorating (manes and tails), how to harness, driving a cart, team and four horse hitch. The youth in attendance ranged in age from 6 to 16.

Approximately 8 families provided horses to hitch for the clinic and Farm Harness Classic, and there were probably at least an additional 20 other families or individuals that stopped in to learn, watch and enjoy the camaraderie of the event. A full slate of hitch classes was held over the weekend with the exception of a 6 horse hitch. This was a great opportunity to get young as well as seasoned horses out for a "practice run" prior to the show season. It was dubbed "the best show of the year" because there was no harness to clean afterwards!

The Manitoba Barrel Racing Association provided the lunch and supper on Saturday, and the Virden 4H Light Horse and Pony Club did the canteen on Sunday.

What a great way to educate our youth, and have a fun and relaxing social gathering of draft horse enthusiasts at the same time! These clinicians have developed a good rapport with the youth, and let's face it, the kids are much more intent on listening to and retaining information given by a respected stranger, than Mom or Dad!

Clinics like these give the seasoned youth, as well as the beginners a chance to work with and do things they wouldn't normally do when they are in the midst of a show season with their parents or helping out another hitch. It gives them the tools to get the job done effectively and safely, and exposes kids that may not have the opportunity to work with draft horses on a regular basis, the chance to do just that. Who knows what they may become? But for some, this may give them the kick start into an industry that has a lot to offer. Our children ARE the future of draft horses. Let's give them the opportunity to learn.

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