The first Britt Draft Horse Show was held on Labor Day weekend, 1982,
at the Hancock County Fairgrounds just south of town. It was organized
when a group of local draft horse enthusiasts felt there was a need for
this type of performance in the area.
Each year the show features eighteen of the finest draft horse hitches in North America, representing the very best of Belgian, Percheron, Clydesdale and Shire performance horses. This unique event draws thousands of spectators, young and old alike, from all over the Midwest.
Gates open early each morning, so spectators can watch the crews ready the “gentle giants” for competition. Afternoon shows are held Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Competition is held in the ladies’ cart, men’s cart, team, unicorn, four-horse, and six-horse hitch classes, providing a complete performance each day. The highlight of the Saturday and Sunday afternoon shows is the competition of all eighteen six-horse hitches in the Classic Series Six-Horse hitch class, a qualifying class for the North America Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series. Competition will also be held in the youth and halter classes. The weekend event includes lunch on the grounds, a commercial building, and camping is available.
