This show is designed to support the draft horse industry and to create a fun, entertaining and educational event in Montana. The classes are arranged to offer the spectators a variety of activities each day and to make the show flow as smoothly as possible for the exhibitors.
The show features draft horse breeds and we welcome mules and light driving horses to enter the Open classes.
This is the best draft horse show in Montana. We hope you will be able to attend as an exhibitor or as a spectator.
In addition to the draft horse show, there are a number of things under the Grandstand that you will find of interest. The Antique Quilt and Carriage Show is a “one of a kind” for sure. Take a few minutes on Saturday or Sunday to walk through the displays. The vendors offer a variety of items for you to browse through and enjoy.
A delicious Barbeque will be Saturday after the show for both exhibitors and spectators. Depending on the weather, it will be held at the fairgrounds or at the Pen Convention Center.
The Montana Academy of Living History offers workshops during the week of September 14 - 18 at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch and Old Montana Prison Museums. Featured this year are Working with Horses in Harness, Fundamentals of Logging and Haying with “Doc” Hammill and a Building a Wagon Box class and Diamond Tufting Upholstry with Dave Watkins. See page 10 in this book for a schedule of workshops.
Dry camping is available at the fairgrounds for $10 per night. There are limited electrical hookups available for an additional $5 per night. A list of area motels and campgrounds is listed below. If we can be of further help, please feel free to contact any of the show committee members.
Go to the web site www.drafthorseexpo.com for more details about the show and www.academyoflivinghistory.com for workshop information.
Motels & Campgrounds
| Rodeway Inn |
406-846-2370 |
| Scharf’s Motor Inn |
406-846-2810 |
| Western Big Sky Motel |
406-846-2590 |
| Downtowner Motel |
406-846-1021 |
| Indian Creek RV Campground |
406-846-3848 |
| KOA Campground |
406-846-1629 |
| Riverside Campground (Garrison) |
1-800-255-1318 or 406-846-2158 |
| Fairmont Hot Springs (Opportunity) |
406-797-3241 |
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RULES AND REGULATIONS
ALL ENTRIES AND EXHIBITORS ARE SUBJECT TO THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS
* This is a draft horse show with hitch classes, teamster events and open classes. The hitch classes are open to draft horse breeds including Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires, Suffolks and Grade horses of these breeds.
* Mules and light breeds of driving horses will be able to enter the open classes including the teamster events (Obstacle Course, Cultivating, and Log Skidding), the Antique/Unique Vehicle Class, Junior Team, Junior Cart, Canadian Maze, Senior Team, Pleasure Cart Class, Street Class, Street Cart Class, and Feed Team Race Jackpot.
* All participants, including the hitch horse and open class horses/mules, may enter the 4-Abreast, 4-Horse Driving Competition, Senior Team, Junior Team and Junior Cart. Senior Drivers who are part of an Invitational Hitch are not eligible to drive in any other classes if they enter any of the classes underlined above. With the exception of the Junior Classes, no additional premium will be paid to Invitational Hitch entries.
1. Any person violating these rules and regulations shall be disqualified and forfeit any entry fees or premium that may be awarded. The Show Committee will settle any discrepancies.
2. Exhibitors of animals or other items liable to occasional accidents, injury or damage to persons coming into contact therewith, shall guard their exhibits in such a way as to protect the public. Any horse(s) or mule(s) out of control or seemingly dangerous, may be asked to leave the arena or the grounds and forfeit entry fees/premium money. Any horses involved in an accident at previous shows here or otherwise and deemed unsafe by the committee, may be asked to leave and all premiums may be forfeited. Owner of unsafe animals will be subject to paying for damages caused by the accident.
3. Exhibitors make entry at their own risk and release Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, the show committee and volunteers, Powell County, Powell County Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County Fair Board, and Blue Ribbon Pavilion from all liability of any kind; or loss of property, life, demands, costs, charges and expenses that may be incurred by reason of any accidents, omissions, conducts of fault of any kind. You must have your own insurance to cover any personal loss as a result of any accident, illness or injury and insurance to cover injury caused by you, your animals, crew or equipment. A Proof of Insurance Statement is required to be sent in with your entry form.
4. Montana Law – 2701-727: Equine Activity Liability Limitations. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), and equine activity sponsor or an equine professional is not liable for injury to or the death of a participant engaged in an equine activity resulting from risks inherent in equine activities. (2) An equine participant shall act in a safe and responsible manner at all times to avoid injury to the participant and others and to be aware of risks inherent in equine activities. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply: (a) if the equine activity sponsor failed to make reasonable and prudent efforts to determine the ability of the participant to safely engage in the equine activity and the participant’s ability to manage the particular equine based on the participant’s representations as to his/her ability; committed an act or omission that constituted willful or wanton disregard for the safety of the participant; or intentionally injured the participant.
5. The Chairperson(s) of the Steering Committee for Big Sky Draft Horse Expo shall have general supervision of the grounds, the entire exhibition as well as control of the show rules and regulations with support of the show committee. Should there be any dispute or misunderstanding which none of the By-laws, Rules and Regulations will govern, the Show Committee, acting as a Protest Committee, shall have the final and absolute right to alter, interpret, apply or change these rules and regulations as may become necessary.
6. Any disputes with showmen, officials or any other individuals will be handled by the Show Committee, without public display. Anyone creating an unfavorable scene may be asked to leave the grounds. Any exhibitor who may desire to enter a protest must enter such protest in writing prior to the close of the show and deposit $20 with the secretary. If the protest is not sustained, the deposit will be forfeited and added to the funds of the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo.
7. Any error in recording premiums caused by oversight shall be subject to correction whenever proof of a mistake is furnished to the Show Committee within one week after the show.
8. Entries for all animals must be received by August 5, 2008. Late entries may be accepted until September 10 if space allows. Late entry fee is $10 per class. Proof of Insurance must accompany entry forms.
9. Exhibitors shall keep their animals in tie stalls provided at the fairgrounds. These are $10 per stall (2 horses per stall) per day. All horses must be tied while in the stalls. Bedding will be provided. Hay will be available to purchase with prior notice. You may wish to bring your own partitions. Tack stalls will be $10 each per day and will be available only if there is space. Horses may arrive after 9 a.m. Friday and must be off the grounds by noon on Monday. For early arrival or extended stay please make prior arrangements. Additional fees will be charged if arriving prior to Friday or staying Sunday night or beyond.
10. If the barns are full, no entries will be accepted after the deadline. Entries may be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the spaces are filled. If stall limitations are needed they will be as follows: four stalls per exhibitor with a six-horse hitch entered, and one stall per team with one stall for tack. All fees must be paid at the time of entry.
11. Each exhibitor must wear the correct number for that class. Numbers may be attached to person, cart or wagon.
12. All dogs shall be kept on leashes at all times while on the show grounds. No dogs are allowed in the grandstand.
13. This is an all paid gate. All exhibitors must wear their exhibitor badges. Two exhibitor badges are included for each team, maximum of 6 badges. Additional badges may be purchased at $8 each with a limit of 6 additional. The exhibitor must be the one to purchase these badges.
14. No horse or mule is to be shown if it has been given any forbidden substance defined as any controlled substance scheduled by the DEA. This includes stimulants, depressants, and all anabolic steroids. The respective committee reserves the right to test any horse or mule for the presence of forbidden substances.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
1. Out-of-state horses: a health certificate is required within 30 days, with a negative Coggins test within twelve (12) months and permit number from the State of Montana. Have your Vet call the State of Montana (406-444-2043) to get the permit number prior to you leaving your state. This permit number must appear on the health certificate and is good for 10 days.
2. All horses being hauled to or in the state of Montana must have a brand inspection from point of origin or if your state does not require brand inspections you must receive one prior to entering or leaving Montana. If you need a brand inspection done here, let the committee know and an inspector will be called. Any fees will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.
3. You should check with your own state for any other requirements to enter Montana or to re-enter your own state. Canadian exhibitors are to follow the Canadian entry laws in the U.S. and re-entry laws into Canada. Canadian Brand Inspections are required.
4. At the discretion of the show committee, veterinarians may inspect animals before exhibition to determine that the animals are free from any evidence of infectious or contagious diseases or ectoparasites. Exhibitors should be aware that ringworm, warts, pinkeye, strangles, contagious ecthyma, scabies, lice, mites, ticks, and fleas all fall into these categories.
5. It is recommended that you vaccinate your horses for influenza prior to attending any events where other horses are being shown or stabled. Consult with your veterinarian for any other vaccination recommendations.
SHOW RULES
1. For safety sake, one adult rider shall be on the seat with the driver in each hitch class consisting of two or more horses. No more than one rider is allowed and no one shall be allowed in the back of the wagon. This applies to Jr. classes as well.
2. Animals shall be hitched to an appropriate vehicle for the class entered, and should be clean and well groomed; we recommend rolled manes for hitch classes. All harness should be clean and in good repair. This is a Show, put on your best presentation.
3. The drivers and assistants are asked to dress in appropriate, neat and clean attire and present their entry with clean equipment in a safe condition.
4. No persons shall be permitted in the ring during the time of the judging of performance classes except the judge, ring steward, official photographers, and one groom or header for each exhibit.
5. Any exhibitor, assistant, spectator or other persons attempting to interfere with the judge or manager, in the performance of his/her duties in any manner may be asked to leave the facility and shall forfeit any monies, ribbons or awards.
6. There will be 4 performances, morning and afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. The morning performances start at 9:30 a.m. and will largely consist of the timed classes. The afternoon performances begin with the Grand Entry at 1:00 p.m. All Exhibitors should plan to attend the Exhibitors meeting at 8:00 p.m. Friday in the barn. All entries shall be ready well in advance of class time to avoid delays. Fillers between some of the classes will be provided to allow time for a hitch change. If you need more time, notify the show chairperson prior to the show so consideration may be addressed. The maximum time limit shall be five minutes after the ring steward calls the class. Tardy entries may not be allowed to show or enter the ring.
7. Junior drivers must be between the ages of 9 and 18 and be accompanied by and adult into each class. Specifically, they must turn 9 during the show year and be 18 or under as of January 1 of the show year. The signature of the parent/guardian of the exhibitor on the entry form indicates the youth possesses the skills to safely handle the horse(s) for the class being entered.
8. There will be a $5.00 entry fee charged for each class and should be sent in with the entry form. Applies to hitch and open class exhibitors.
SHOW CLASSES
General Judging Criteria: (unless listed in guidelines)
Conformation: Match of animals in size, color, markings and uniformity. Hitch should represent the ideal example of conformation for the breed they represent. All animals must be sound (lameness is cause for elimination of hitch from awards.)
Way of Going: All animals must pull evenly in the traces; heads up, even and traveling straight ahead; no fighting the bit, lagging behind or crowding ahead or to the side. The individual and collective response of the animals to the driver’s verbal commands and manual signals while stopping, backing and fanning.
Presentation: Cleanliness of the horses, harness, and wagon; condition of harness and wagon; decorations on horses; attire of driver, riders and grooms; appropriateness of vehicle to hitch; over-all appearance of the outfit.
Driving: How well the driver handles the horses and lines. Hitches may be made up of horses owned by one or more exhibitors.
Hitch Classes:
1. Hitch classes to be judged: (Invitational Hitches only; Classes are Required)
▌Ladies Cart ▌Men’s Cart ▌Hitch Team ▌Unicorn
▌4-Horse Hitch Conformation ▌6-Horse Hitch Conformation
** All above classes are judged on: Conformation (40%), Way of Going (25%), Presentation (25%), Driving 10%).
*** The same horse may not be used for both the Ladies and Men’s Cart Class
▌6-Horse Hitch Driving Competition
Judged on: 50% Driving, 40% Way of Going, 10% Presentation.
Note: ** There will be no cross entries with Hitch Classes and Street Class, Street Cart, Pleasure Cart, Unique/Antique Vehicle nor the teamster classes. Hitch horses may enter Junior Cart, Junior Team, 4 Abreast, 4 Horse Driving and Senior Team.
Senior Drivers who are part of an Invitational Hitch are not eligible to drive in any other classes if they enter any of the classes underlined above. With the exception of the Junior Classes, no additional premium will be paid to Invitational Hitch entries.
Open Classes:
2. Antique/Unique Vehicle Class to be judged 25% on uniqueness, 25% authenticity, 15% quality of vehicle, 15% on appropriate animal(s) and 20% on attire according to the vehicle. This is an Open class to any driven equine. No hitch wagons allowed that are shown in the Hitch classes nor cross entries with Hitch exhibitors.
3. Street Class: This class is designed for the participant with draft horses, mules and cross breeds that uses them for hay rides, carriage rides, or other activities as would be found on the streets. Rubber tired vehicles are acceptable. The vehicle and harness used must be clean, in good repair, and appropriate to the entry. To be judged: 25% Presentation, 25% Conformation, 25% Way of Going, 25% Driving. (No cross entry with the Hitch exhibitors). (singles or teams)
4. Pleasure Cart: This is an Open class for a single horse/mule driven with a two-wheel cart. There will be a Gambler’s Choice course offering points for obstacles that may include a bridge, mailbox, docking, three-cone serpentine, and a slot. This is a timed event. The contestant needs to perform all five tasks before returning to any previous task. Points will be awarded only with the successful completion of a task. The course and points will be in your exhibitor packet. (No cross entries with Hitch exhibitors) Any amendments to this class may be made at show time.
5. Street Cart: Suitable for and to be driven by any lady or man. At the judges discretion, you may be required to perform any or all of the following: On the rail, ask for a walk or extended trot. On the rail, ask for a stop, then change directions in place. In line, back-up straight, fan 90 degrees one way, forward into line. (2 wheel carts) (No cross entries with Hitch exhibitors.)
►6. Canadian Maze: This open class is designed for the participant with draft horses, mules and/or cross breeds. It is a timed event. The course is a CROSS of cones set 15 feet apart in all four directions. The object of the event is to enter and exit each arm of the cross once. (Or, the object of the event is to travel each arm of the cross twice – once going toward the center of the cross, once exiting the cross.) Any contestant who fails to enter and exit each leg of the cross once – or, who enters or exits any leg of the cross more than once -- is disqualified. There is a 10 second penalty for each cone disturbed. The contestant must enter the maze via the designated starting point and complete the maze by exiting through the designated finish point. (No cross entries with Hitch exhibitors.)
►7. Open Six Horse/Mule Driving Competition: Judged on 50% Driving, 40% Way of Going, 10% Presentation.
8. Teamster Events: Log skidding, Obstacle, Cultivating, Feed Team Race(See # 11). These classes and judging criteria will conform to the rules that will be presented with the exhibitor packets. Patterns will be made available prior to the classes for study. There will be no explanation of the patterns, or delay of show, after the courses have been laid out. There will be a limit of 3 (three) drivers per team entered. An exhibitor may enter a class only one time. (No cross entries with Hitch exhibitors.)
9. Feed Team Race: The Feed Team Race will be held as a Jackpot. There will be $20 entry fee per driver which must be sent in with the entry form. Three places will be paid. (1st-50%; 2nd-30%; 3rd-20%) There will be a 25% hold out fee. The rules for the Feed Team Race will be in the exhibitor’s packet. (No cross entries with Hitch exhibitors)
Hitch or Open Classes
10. The 4-Abreast: This is open to Hitch horses and open class draft horses or mules. Points will be awarded consistent with the Hitch Classes: 25% Conformation; 25% Way of Going; 25% Presentation; 25% Driving.
11. Four-Up Driving Competition: This is open to Hitch horses and open draft horses or mules. To be judged: 50% Driving, 40% Way of Going, 10% Presentation.
12. Senior Team: Suitable to be driven by lady or man. Driver may be required to perform a pattern or any of the following: On the rail, ask for a walk or extended trot. On the rail, ask for a stop, then change directions in place. In line, back-up or fan. Judged 100% on driver’s ability.
13. Junior Team: Judged 100% on driver’s ability. Style of horses and equipment are not to be considered. Juniors must be between the ages of 9 and 18 as of January 1st of the show year.
14. Junior Cart: Judged 100% on driver’s ability. Style of horses and equipment are not to be considered. Juniors must be between the ages of 9 and 18 as of January 1st of the show year.
Schedule of classes may be changed at show time at the committee’s discretion.
QUILT AND CARRIAGE SHOW
The Carriage Show will be displayed beneath the grandstands or on the grounds throughout the show. There is no entry fee and no premiums awarded. Any records or original photographs of the vehicles, including photographs of any building restoration processes, can be displayed for the interest of the public. Anyone with horse-drawn farm implements, work, pleasure or commercial vehicles are encouraged to enter. A special “People’s Choice” award will be given.
Antique Quilt Show – under the grandstands. Everyone is invited to display their quilts or lap robes. You may also sell them at a display booth.
PREMIUMS
Recognition will be given to the first five places in the classes below. Premium money to be awarded as listed. Any animal deemed unworthy of placing shall not be awarded a premium.
JUNIOR CART –1st - $70; 2nd- $55; 3rd - $40; all others $5
LADIES CART – Invitational Hitch Only
MEN’S CART – Invitational Hitch Only
PLEASURE CART – 1st - $70; 2nd - $55; 3rd - $40; all others $5
STREET CART – 1st – $70; 2nd - $55; 3rd - $40; all others $5
JUNIOR TEAM – 1st - $95; 2nd - $80; 3rd - $70; all others $10
SENIOR TEAM – 1st - $95; 2nd - $80; 3rd - $70; all others $10
CANADIAN MAZE – 1st - $95; 2nd - $80; 3rd - $70; all others $10
HITCH TEAM – Invitational Hitch Only
UNICORN – Invitational Hitch Only
FOUR-ABREAST – 1st - $175; 2nd - $150; 3rd - $130; all others $20
FOUR-HORSE HITCH – Invitational Hitch Only
FOUR-UP DRIVING – 1st - $175; 2nd - $150; 3rd - $130; all others $20
SIX-HORSE HITCH CONFORMATION – Invitational Hitch Only
SIX-HORSE HITCH DR. COMPETITION – Invitational Hitch Only
OPEN SIX-HORSE HITCH DR. COMP. – 1st- $200, 2nd- $175, 3rd - $150 others $100
ANTIQUE/UNIQUE VEHICLE – 1st - $95; 2nd - $80; 3rd - $70; all others $10
STREET CLASS – 1st - $95; 2nd - $80; 3rd - $70; all others $5/$10
TEAM LOG SKIDDING –1st - $85; 2nd - $70; 3rd - $60; all others $10
CULTIVATING – 1st - $85; 2nd - $70; 3rd - $60; all others $10
OBSTACLE – 1st - $85; 2nd - $70; 3rd - $60; all others $10
FEED TEAM RACE – Jackpot; 1st – 50%; 2nd – 30%; 3rd place – 20%
FILLER EVENTS --- No premiums will be awarded. Please do not enter fillers if you have a class before or after. This event is created to allow the hitches time to prepare for the next class. We will not hold the gate if you are late.
ANTIQUE QUILT AND CARRIAGE SHOW –No premium money is offered at this time. A Special award will be presented to the People’s Choice winner.
Souvenir Program Advertising Rates
For information about advertising in the Expo program, visit the web site at www.DraftHorseExpo.com or contact a committee member listed on page 2.
Event Buttons
This button sells for $15 and provides entry to both days of the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, free admittance to the Carriage Show, Quilt Show. Plus free admittance to the Old Prison Museums, and many of the Grant-Kohrs Ranch activities. There will be a Grand Prize drawing on Sunday.
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