The North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series has become the most prestigious draft horse event on the continent. The beauty, excitement, and power of Six Horse Hitch competition comes to Texas at RFD TV’s THE AMERICAN Semi-Finals in Mesquite on February 22nd and 23rd, for the richest payout in hitch history.
Six gleaming one-ton horses create a spectacle as they stomp into the arena as one, outfitted in patent leather and chrome harness pulling the historically restored freight wagons. Crowds can literally feel the earth move as the massive hitches pass by with jet black or dapple gray Percherons, Classic Bay or Black Clydesdales, and the beautiful blonde Belgians.
Fans will get a chance to get up close to these amazing horses, take photos, and experience how big and gentle they are. Among the competitors are the World Champion Percheron Mares from Jackson Fork Ranch in Wyoming, along with the beautiful Percheron Hitch from Blue Ribbon Days in Missouri. Express Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma will be bringing their flashy Black Clydesdales, and there will be many more. Probably the most famous draft horse hitch is the Budweiser Clydesdales, whose popular 8 horse-hitches travel the U.S.
Young and old alike enjoy the majesty of these “Gentle Giants”. Our nation was built with the help of these heavy horses. From hauling loads through the streets of those early cities on the East Coast, to providing the necessary power to cultivate the soil of the rich farm fields of the Midwest, to helping move our population all the way to the West Coast, the draft horse grew to be fondly remembered by many. This is an exhibition of horsepower as it was intended. RFD TV’s weekly series “Gentle Giants”, spotlights the many breeds of heavy draft horses as well as their uses and competition, and airs on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday.
The $100,000 purse is the largest ever offered in 6 horse hitch competition. Each horse has a special spot on the hitch, and the drivers skillfully handle 6 lines to maneuver the horses around the arena. The judge observes the hitches driven both ways of the ring to see the working of all horses, they must perform together as a unit. The height of each horse, matching of colors, length of stride, and action are considered and each horse should complement each other and work together. Presentation and style in general are big factors, enhancement of decorations, maintenance of both the wagon and harness and the proper fit of the harness are all considered in the final judging. The American Six Horse Hitch Classic will be broadcast live on RFD TV.
The rodeo semi-finals in Mesquite will advance qualifiers to RFD TV’s “The American” at AT&T Stadium on March 2, for the largest single day payout in the history of the sport...$2,000,000.
For more information or tickets visit www.rfdtv.com/theamerican.
