Mr. Barlow and Mr. Apollo, Our Magnificent Brabants
Acquired from a private owner in 2004, for the purpose of showing the breed and perhaps Roman Riding.  We are the third owner of these brothers that have been together forever. Barlow was quickly content to being ridden and stood upon. Apollo was shy and not happy with anything other than sitting still on his back. They would go together as a team, but it took months to roman ride them at a walk. Today they are the most popular attraction we have to offer. People often stop in their tracks and stare at these huge horses, as they saunter by, JD standing effortlessly on their backs vocally greeting the crowd. They have come to expect applause, and often call out to the crowd at our meet and greets. They are true representatives of the breed. The Brabant is an extremely old breed of horse which can be traced back to prehistoric horses of the Alluvial period and is likely related to the Ardennes. They are known as one of the heaviest draft horses due to their massive bone structure. Brabants have compact bodies, heavy feathering on the legs and are docile, and willing to work. Brabants are the original Belgian horse, however, today’s modern Belgian horse no longer resembles a Brabant, and they are in fact, two completely different breeds. The Brabant has influenced many other breeds of draft horses. Mr. Barlow and Mr. Apollo have brought joy to thousands of people that come out to see them ever year. They are kind and respectful, as well as mild mannered.

Jim, Our American or Modern Belgian
Acquired from auction, in the year 2000, Jim is the reason for this corporation. Wanting a big horse for vaulting and returning to circus bareback riding, JD bought this beautiful red roan as a ten year old. Jim was stubborn and used to having his own way. He was aggressive and defiant, although not mean or dangerous. His weakness was carrots, and JD took his aggressive nature and turned it into focusing on goals and tasks. He became extremely reliable, and trusting. He has become an incredible equine partner, and although we know that retirement for him is in the foreseeable future, he remains strong. The Belgian is the most popular draft horse in America. This horse has heavy muscling, a deep chest, wide barrel, powerful hindquarters, and active boldness, yet is willing and docile. The modern Belgian came into existence in the early 1900’s. Horses imported from Belgium were breed down to be lighter bodied and cleaner legged then the original Belgians. Jim is an excellent example of the breed.     

Miss Athena, Our Percheron Acquired in 2008
from a Dirty Auction Barn
Athena was a two year old that we believe did not have any training. She quickly accepted riders, and before long we were vaulting, and standing on her. She immediately proved to be a valuable member of the team.   The exact origin of the Percheron has been lost over time. History shows that in the 8th century, the breed was developing from local Flemish stock, in the area of La Perch, a district of Normandy, France. Over time the breed changed and introduction of Spanish and Arab blood, lightened up the breed for carriage work and riding. In 1820 two grey Arab stallions were imported into La Perch. It is from these stallions that the gray color still exists today. By the middle of the 19th century, the old strains of Percheron blood had almost disappeared. Breeders were interested in producing a heavier horse again for agricultural Draft work. This heavier Percheron is what is common today. Miss Athena is a good example of the early 1800’s type, being slightly smaller is an asset for our vaulting and trick riding. Her unique coloring and sweet disposition make her a favorite at our meet and greets. We witness time and time again, the crowd is somehow magically drawn to her. If you look carefully, you will notice natural red highlights in her mane and tail!

The Mighty Thor, Our Clydesdale
Acquired in the fall of 2008, from a private owner. Thor came to us as a loveable 7 year old with little experience in anything other than being a friendly pet. He was extremely nervous when anyone mounted him, and we knew he would be a project. The hardest thing for him was displaying his flag with a mounted rider. Thor also likes to run, although it took some practice for him to balance himself with a rider. Thor lacks the heavy muscling of our other drafts, however, as we tell the crowd in our appearances, he makes up for that with his big heart.  The Clydesdale breed is from Lanarkshire, Scotland and the breed takes its name from the river Clyde. In the mid 1700s native stock was mated with larger Flemish horses, and the Clydesdale was born. Clydesdales combine strength and style. The breeds action is distinctive, with each foot lifted cleanly off the ground so the bottom of the hoof is visible from behind. Thor makes a great addition to our Draft horse show, and we are proud to have him representing this widely known breed.