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New heavy horse hitch impresses in Idaho

Local team ‘Iron Hearts’ makes Heavy Horse and Mule show in Sandpoint a true international competition
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Craig Sololuk and Cheryl Virostek help a couple of Iron Hearts Clydesdales ready for the Heavy Horse and Mule show in Sandpoint this weekend past.

A newly formed Heavy Horse Hitch team in the area has already achieved some success in international competition.

The "Iron Hearts" hitch is home from a very successful showing at the 38th annual International Heavy Horse and Mule show held in Sandpoint, Idaho.

The Iron Hearts hitch came about when friends Glenda Larson, from Wardner, B.C., and Cheryl Virostek, from Rolling Hills, Alberta, decided to join forces putting their horses and equipment together, to create a bigger display.

Larson and Virostek also made some joint purchases to round out what equipment they already had, refurbishing their equipment in flashy black and white colours.

The International Heavy Horse and Mule show in Sandpoint was held this weekend.

"We were the only Canadian team represented," Larson said. "That made it an international event.

"Cranbrook supplied a lot of supporters who made the trip to cheer us on."

She added the Cranbrook contingent in the stands cheered loudly when Iron Hearts made their way into the ring and throughout their drive.

"Friends from far and wide came to help Iron Hearts with all the chores that are required to make a successful showing. Some were able to assist by driving in classes where needed," Larson said.

Besides Glenda and Cheryl driving in the classes, the other teamsters included Craig Sololuk in Men's Hitch, David Cumming in Senior Hitch, Hugh Naldrett in Men's Cart, Ken McAleese in farm equipment and Kena Manson in Junior Team Driving.

Iron Hearts took home 12 ribbons from the event. Larson said the ones that stood out most for the crew were Supreme Mare of Show in the Halter Class division, first in the Team Matched Mare and Third in Unicorn in the Driving Division. They also won "The Golden Pitch Fork" for their impressive display and presentation of their horses in the barn.

Iron Hearts is making plans for future shows and demonstrations.