Del Mar, CA - After a successful opening weekend at the San Diego County Fair the three-day 2003 Draft Horse Show came to an end Sunday night with the Wareing Shires from Blackfoot, Idaho carrying home the top-prize money in the $7,900 Draft Six-Up Hitch sponsored by Catti Alvarez.

Hitches competed in Draft Tandem, Unicorn, Singles, Pairs, Four-abreast, Gambler's Choice in Halter, Under Saddle and Bareback events throughout the show. The Log Skidding, Draft Farm Implement, Light and Heavy Pulls culminated with Steve Ferrasci holding the reins as Casy and Katie owned by Central Valley Percherons dragged 4,000 pounds of salt blocks to win the class.

Wareing Shires from Blackfoot, Idaho carrying home the top-prize money in the $7,900 Draft Six-Up Hitch sponsored by Catti Alvarez.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Bliss Photography.

Dozens of black Friesians competed under saddle, in costume, and driving carriages reminiscent of the legends of noble steeds, knights and kingdoms. Lady Lora Martin and her Friesian mare "Yenta" were among the entries in the Costume Class sponsored by Grand Meadows Products. Rider Lauren Cirignano rode to victory on "Meine van de Riderdzk" owned by Mike and Debra Salta in the Friesian Under Saddle Amateur to Ride sponsored by Logan Show Horses. The Friesian match was huge and the classes were very competitive.

Spectators enjoyed Pole Bending, Reinsmanship and Barrel Racing late into the Saturday night. The Donkey Barrel Racing was won by "West Coast of Oklahoma" ridden and owned by Jo Anne Bonura. "West Coast" also took home first place in the Donkey Keyhole, Donkey Pleasure Driving and Donkey Halter Jacks Standard.

The mules demonstrated great versatility as they competed in Driving, Packing and Scrambling events. "Mali Malie Hokulani" (aka Ms. Molly) ridden by Lou Moore, owned by James Stiwell won the Mule Green English Jumping sponsored by Teri Merry, "The Mule Lady" of Century 21 Ramona. Merry and her own jenny "Crestline's Hot Blanche" earned Grand Champion Mule, while Reserve Champion went to Paula Blum's "Hot Oscar de la Arrow."

Complete show results can be found at www.sdfair.com/sdfair_draft_mule_show.php.

Once again the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales and their vintage Studebaker beer wagon (circa 1900) proved to be popular crowd pleasers during daily performances that carry on until June 30th.

Upcoming equine events include the Working Ranch Horse Show at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 22 and a polo match at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 24th.
With "Commotion by the Ocean" as its theme, the 2003 Fair celebrates San Diego and its symbiotic relationship with the Pacific Ocean through exciting exhibits and other events that rejoice in the sights, sounds and treasures the sea brings to the region.

The Fair is San Diego's largest event and the seventh largest fair in the nation. The 2003 Fair continues through July 6 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily except on Mondays when the Fair is closed.

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