The ZD Pickering Family Farms Percherons, a team of six horses from Prince George, B.C., won all three days of the Big 6 Classic draft horse show in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite being the only Canadian team, they were well-received by the American audience, who even flew the Canadian flag and sang the national anthem in their honor. The team’s success was attributed to their physical condition, grooming, and ability to work together as a team under the guidance of three-time world champion driver Tim Sparrow.
The six-horse hitch teams are judged based on various criteria, including the horses’ health and muscle tone, grooming, and their ability to move in unison as they parade around the arena. The Pickering team, who just started the hitch, plans to participate in other shows in Calgary, Vermillion, and Lloydminster, as well as Canadian exhibitions. Zane Pickering’s interest in draft horses stems from a family tradition of horse-logging in the Central Interior, where they were pioneers in the sawmill business.
Despite the challenges of maintaining draft horses in a modern world, Pickering continues to participate in horse shows and pulling events to honor his family’s legacy. He still does horse-logging for specific tasks and enjoys competing in events that showcase the strength and teamwork of these majestic animals. The Pickering team is supported by a group of handlers from various locations in the U.S. and Canada, who work together to ensure the horses are well-groomed and ready for competition.
