2016 Draft Horse Classic Awards Announced

September 29, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 29, 2016

Contact: Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds
(530) 273-6217;

30th Annual Draft Horse Classic Awards Announced

Awards for the 30th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 22 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced.  Mike Loveland Jr. of Albion, Michigan, judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show.

Almost 50 draft horse exhibitors – traveling from California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and British Columbia – competed for approximately $30,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during six performances over the four-day event.

The winner of the Ultimate Hitch competition was David and Patsy Cunningham of Meadowlake Belgians, from Carlton, OR.

Audrey Popoff of Unhitched Ranch, from Colton, CA was recognized as the outstanding lady driver for the third year in a row, accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.

The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Mike Lorenzini, an honor bestowed upon him by the voting of his fellow teamsters. Lorenzini is from Lakeport, CA.  The Andy Amsbaugh Teamster Award went to Rick Newborn of Top Hand Ranch, Elverta, CA; and Abby Partridge of Partridge Percherons, Galt, CA, won the Youth of the Show award.

The Overall Supreme Champion horse, King, is owned by Unhitched Ranch of Colton, CA, and shown by Scott Banga. King was also awarded the Supreme Champion Gelding. Channell, owned by Rockin RP Ranch of Pleasant Grove, CA, and shown by Crystal Newborn was awarded the Supreme Champion Mare.

The Champion Matched Pair went to Rambo and Ike, shown by Lawrence McGibbon and owned by Carlaw Clydes of Cranbrook, British Columbia.

At the Harvest Fair, with more than 600 items entered, the Best of Division in the Scarecrows went to Pamela Raschke of Grass Valley; and the People’s Choice award for the Scarecrows went to Terry Hobart of Grass Valley.

A complete list of 2016 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners, is on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website.

The 2017 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 21 – 24. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2017.

Meadowlake Belgians

Winner of the Ultimate Hitch Competition – Meadowlake Belgians, owned by David and Patsy Cunningham and based out of Carlton, OR – performs in the arena at the 2016 Draft Horse Classic.

Tags: 2016 Draft Horse Winners, 2016 Harvest Fair Winners, and Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire.

2016 Draft Horse Classic Awards Announced

September 29, 2016 |

Awards for the 30th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 22 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced.  Mike Loveland Jr. of Albion, Michigan, judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show.

Almost 50 draft horse exhibitors – traveling from California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and British Columbia – competed for approximately $30,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during six performances over the four-day event.

The winner of the Ultimate Hitch competition was David and Patsy Cunningham of Meadowlake Belgians, from Carlton, OR.

Audrey Popoff of Unhitched Ranch, from Colton, CA was recognized as the outstanding lady driver for the third year in a row, accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.

The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Mike Lorenzini, an honor bestowed upon him by the voting of his fellow teamsters. Lorenzini is from Lakeport, CA.  The Andy Amsbaugh Teamster Award went to Rick Newborn of Top Hand Ranch, Elverta, CA; and Abby Partridge of Partridge Percherons, Galt, CA, won the Youth of the Show award.

The Overall Supreme Champion horse, King, is owned by Unhitched Ranch of Colton, CA, and shown by Scott Banga. King was also awarded the Supreme Champion Gelding. Channell, owned by Rockin RP Ranch of Pleasant Grove, CA, and shown by Crystal Newborn was awarded the Supreme Champion Mare.

The Champion Matched Pair went to Rambo and Ike, shown by Lawrence McGibbon and owned by Carlaw Clydes of Cranbrook, British Columbia.

At the Harvest Fair, with more than 600 items entered, the Best of Division in the Scarecrows went to Pamela Raschke of Grass Valley; and the People’s Choice award for the Scarecrows went to Terry Hobart of Grass Valley.

A complete list of 2016 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners, is on the Nevada County Fairgrounds’ website.

The 2017 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 21 – 24. Tickets will go on sale on May 1, 2017.

Meadowlake Belgians

Winner of the Ultimate Hitch Competition – Meadowlake Belgians, owned by David and Patsy Cunningham and based out of Carlton, OR – performs in the arena at the 2016 Draft Horse Classic.

Categories: Announcements.
Tags: 2016 Draft Horse Winners, 2016 Harvest Fair Winners, and Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire.

Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair in Grass Valley

September 15, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 15, 2016

Contact: Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager, Nevada County Fairgrounds

(530) 273-6217; 

Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair in Grass Valley
September 22 – 25, 2016

Grass Valley, California – Join the beautiful draft horses for the 30th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 22 – 25, 2016 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.  Featuring six performances by the beautiful draft horses, this event has grown to become the premiere draft horse show in the western United States.

The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, rigs and performances; featuring everything from farm wagons, carriages, and driving competitions to dancing horses and racing mules.  The stars of the show are the horses, and with more than 120 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe them in a multitude of settings.

In between classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts like Gladius the Show, an acrobatic equestrian production that incorporates aerialists, fire, and Roman riding.  There’s also the California Cowgirls, chariot and chuck wagon races, and the Bobby Kerr Mustang Act.

Also taking place at the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic is the Harvest Fair.  There’s western music, community exhibits, a clogging demonstration, and a horse shoeing competition.  Visit Art at the Classic in the Main Street Center, where you’ll find artists’ booths filled with paintings, sculpture, photographs and jewelry. Or, shop along the walking paths for your favorite crafts, horse products, pottery, apparel and more. When you’re hungry and need a rest, pick your favorite treat, then wander over to the Pine Tree Stage and enjoy the musical entertainment.  Of course, don’t forget a visit to the barns to meet the Draft Horses.

There are six performances featuring the beautiful Draft Horses – Thursday and Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 10 am and 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm – and there are a variety of ticket prices available.  Ticket prices are $19 for reserved seating or $16 for general admission at the evening and late afternoon performances; $15 for reserved seating or $12 at the morning performances; and $13 for reserved seating or $10 for children’s tickets. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217 or visiting the Fairgrounds’ website. Tickets purchased after September 21 will be charged an additional $3 per ticket.

This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 22 – 25, at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento.  For more information, visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

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David Wong Photography

The beautiful draft horses compete with elegance and power while pulling carriages, working farm equipment, working side-by-side on a hitch, and completing intricate maneuvers at the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, September 22 – 25, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Photos by David Wong Photography

six-up-david-wong-photography

Tags: Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire.

Enter Your Exhibits in the Harvest Fair

September 2, 2016 |

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 31, 2016

Contact:     Robin Hauck, Deputy Manager
(530) 273-6217;

Enter Your Exhibits In The Harvest Fair At The Draft Horse Classic
It’s free and all exhibitors will receive free tickets to a Draft Horse Classic performance

Entry forms are now being accepted for exhibit entries in the Harvest Fair, which takes place during the Draft Horse Classic, September 22 – 25, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. The deadline to turn in entry forms to enter exhibits is 4 pm on Friday, September 16. It’s free to enter, and all exhibitors will receive complimentary tickets to the Friday evening performance of the Draft Horse Classic.

Entry forms are now being accepted at the Fair Office and here. There are more than 100 different categories to choose from, including fruits and vegetables, cobblers, harvest pies, scarecrows, jams, honey, cut flowers, produce characters, and birdhouses. There’s even a “Garden Photo Contest” to share the beauty of your own garden and plants; and an Adult Artistic Corner for those interested in showing off arts and crafts. So many fun categories to choose!

There’s a division for youth and teens, which includes categories like apple face dolls, decoupage, Halloween masks, painted pumpkins, wreaths, table settings, and ceramics. Plus, there’s a Special People’s division for those interested in showing off their talents at the Harvest Fair.

Exhibitors must either submit paper entry forms at the Fair office or enter online between now and Friday, September 16 at 4 pm.  It’s free and it’s simple!

Complete descriptions of all Harvest Fair divisions and categories are available here, at the Fair’s Office on McCourtney Road, or by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217.

The Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair runs September 22 – 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. There are six performances featuring the beautiful Draft Horses – Thursday and Friday at 6:30 pm, Saturday at 10 am and 6:30 pm, and Sunday at 10 am and 4 pm.

In addition to the Draft Horse performances, the Harvest Fair is happening at the Fairgrounds throughout the event. Musical entertainment, Art at the Classic, food vendors on Treat Street and around the grounds, a clogging jamboree, Harvest Fair exhibits, and visits to the barns make for a fun family day at the Harvest Fair.

For Draft Horse performance tickets or information about entering a Harvest Fair exhibit, call the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217 or visit NevadaCountyFair.com.

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scarecrows at the Harvest Fair

Tags: Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire and enter an exhibit.

Draft Horse Classic Photos Now Available

October 18, 2015 |
Looking for photos from the Draft Horse Classic? Our official photographer, David Wong, will be setting up a new site, where highlights of the event will be posted. You can either order the Best of DHC 2015 disc for $85; or, if you are looking or a specific class, driver, or team, contact him directly at dw@photographybydavidwong.com for pricing and options.
Categories: Announcements and Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: David Wong Photography, Draft Horse Classic, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, draft horses, Exhibitors, Grass Valley, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Draft Horse Classic Awards Announced

October 2, 2015 |

Awards for the 29th annual Draft Horse Classic, held September 24 – 27 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, have been announced.  Albert Cleve of Farmington, Missouri, judged the Draft Horse competitions and halter show. Dwight Gilbert from Nevada was the judge of the pulling contest; and Robbie Mederos from Danville, California was the horseshoe competition judge.

More than 50 Draft Horse exhibitors – traveling from California, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho – competed for approximately $30,000 in premium awards. The competitions took place during six performances over the four-day event.

The winner of the Ultimate Hitch competition was Wayne Wareing of Wareing Shires, from Blackfoot, Idaho.

Audrey Popoff of Unhitched Ranch, from Colton, CA was recognized as the outstanding lady driver, accumulating high points to win the Susan Parnell High Point Perpetual Award.

The Teamster of the Year Award was presented to Deb Luis, an honor bestowed upon her by the voting of her fellow teamsters. Luis is from Debzdrafts in Marysville, CA. The Andy Amsbaugh Teamster Award went to Steve Smith of Quail Creek Percherons, Carmichael, CA; and Dakota Shinn of Shinn Ranch Percherons, Placerville, CA, won the Youth of the Show award.

The Overall Supreme Champion horse, GT Bold Adventure, is owned by Thiel Family Percherons of Pleasant Grove, CA, and shown by Jason Bexon.  The Grand Champion Stallion, Rolling Acres Tyrane, is also owned by Thiel Family Percherons.

The Grand Champion Mare, Noodle, is owned by Top Hand Ranch and shown by Crystal Newborn of Elverta, CA.

The winner in the 2015 Edward Martin Perpetual Horseshoeing Competition was Lance Yohe of Elk Grove, CA.

At the Harvest Fair, with more than 800 items entered, the Best of Division in the Scarecrows went to Sierra View Manor in Grass Valley; and the People’s Choice award for the Scarecrows went to Nicholas Husak of Grass Valley.

A complete list of 2015 Draft Horse Classic awards, as well as all the Harvest Fair winners, can be found here.

The 2016 Draft Horse Classic is scheduled for September 22 – 25. Tickets will go on sale on May 2, 2016.

Wareing Team - Ultimate Six-Up Champions (Photography by David Wong)

Winner of the Ultimate Hitch Competition – Wayne Wareing of Wareing Shires, based out of Blackfoot, Idaho – performs at the 2015 Draft Horse Classic. (Photography by David Wong)

Categories: Announcements and Draft Horse Classic.
Tags: awards, Draft Horse Classic, Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Faire, draft horses, Grass Valley, harvest fair, Nevada City, Nevada County, and Nevada County Fairgrounds.