Getting together to horse around

SANDPOINT – Vacation for Jerry Hammon is taking a 12-hour road trip with seven Shire draft horses.

Some people think that’s crazy, especially because Hammon’s job is traveling with the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdale teams.

But every year since he was a toddler, Hammon has made the trip from Blackfoot, Idaho, to the Bonner County Fairgrounds for the annual Idaho State Draft Horse and Mule International Show, which runs through Monday and is in its 28th year. His parents helped put on the initial event.

“I told my kindergarten teacher I wanted to drive Budweisers,” Hammon said while hosing off two of his 1-ton black-and-white Shires on Thursday afternoon.

Breeze, a 9-year-old mare due to have a baby Shire in March, stood patiently as the cool water hit her long, white hair, which resembled high-fashion snow boots and protected hooves as large as a dinner plates.

Pete, the mare’s gelding partner, shook his head trying to get some attention.

“He’s a ham,” Hammon said. “He loves the affection the girls give him. He’s a true ladies man.”

He will get lots of admiring looks and a few pats as hundreds of people come to watch the next three days of halter classes, driving competitions and other events ranging from log skidding to barrel racing. Monday is the annual sale. More than 40 exhibitors with hundreds of horses and mules attend along with vendors selling mule art, doughnuts, soap and more.

Hammon, whose family owns Triple H Shires, likes the show because it offers a family atmosphere and brings friends together. He sometimes couldn’t finish his sentences as friends stopped by the wash racks to chat.

“Some say it’s bigger and better,” Hammon said about the show. “Some say it’s bigger and worse. It’s a little more competitive but you still see a lot of family ties.”

Harness bells jingled as Bill Holloway, of Buhl, Idaho, brought his tandem hitch of sorrel Belgian draft mules to a stop so he could visit with friends.

Kate and Reba stood as Holloway talked about where he was staying and how long it took to drive up.

“This is our first year to compete,” said Leslie Holloway, who walked beside the wooden cart. “In 2001 we came to watch and fell in love with the show.”