National Western Stock show

The girls and I visited the National Western Stock show on Saturday. This is the fourth time we have attended the NWS. Twice we attended the Wild West Show, once we went to the Rodeo, and this year we wehnt to the Draft Horse Competition.

I'll admit the excitement level of the Draft Horses does not compare to the Rodeo or the Wild West Show. However, I enjoyed them more than the other two events. Watching the mules run the pole course was amusing and interesting. Mules are not the most submissive of creatures, and they are definitely more willful than horses. Many just walked the course, or trotted. One decided it wasn't going to do it and the rider's argument was moot.

There were seventeen 6-hitch teams competing. Before the event we walked around downstairs and were able to see some of the Percheron's getting ready. They are massive beasts, with hooves the size of dinner plates. Magnificent creatures.

The wife and I also saw a team of Black Clydesdales. Never knew such a thing existed (too many beer commercials I guess). They were beautiful, although I've concluded that all Clydesdales "Prance" when they trot. It's probably just the hair around their legs, but it makes these huge creatures look "girly" for lack of a better word.

So, we had a great time, but we will see if we go again next year.