BROOKINGS, S.D. — Six Horse Hitches from 10+ states will compete at the Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show in the indoor Swiftel Center in Brookings, SD Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 2018. This national level show will offer some unique first place awards that are South Dakota based. Be sure to attend to see which states earn the honor to take home a bit of ‘South Dakota BLING!’
At the Dakota Royal this weekend, Six Horse Hitches from all across the US will have to be at ‘full trot’ in the North American Six Horse Hitch Classic Series class to bring home this unique award made by Powder Specialties, LLC in Madison, SD.In 2017, Powder Specialties, LLC owner Luke Bohnet volunteered to take on the task of ensuring that the Brookings, SD Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show had unique awards for their North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series classes. The Madison, SD powder coating business coordinated with the NASHHCS national level staff to create awards for not only the Six Horse Hitch classes, but also the Classic Cart Series class. Their months of detailed work resulted in the production of the large metal powder coated awards that feature the Classic Series logos. True workmanship and South Dakota pride are showcased in the Powder Specialties video Powder Specialties, LLC https://www.facebook.com/PowderSpec/ and the 2018 awards seem to ‘change color’ along with delivering a bit of full trot sparkle!
It comes as no surprise to the Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show that Luke Bohnet would donate awards that would be the pride of any of the top hitches in the US to win. His connection to the Draft Horse community, along with his dedicated work ethic is genetic, as Luke is the eldest grandson of Walt & Pat Schaefer, Winfred, SD who are known nationally in the Draft Horse community. For Luke Bohnet, supporting a South Dakota Draft Horse Show is just a solid reflection of the 50+ years of the Schaefer Belgian Farm family raising Belgians as their livestock of choice.
At the “DR” Show in Brookings, SD other hitch class winners will also be awarded with South Dakota based prizes. Valerie Hicks, Square One Productions, Brookings, SD designed the 2018 “DR” show logo and incorporated the state’s outline into a large graphic for ‘barrel cover’ awards. Next, Valerie arranged for the 2 foot wide awards to be made by Lisa Banga Graham. Hitches from all across the US will be at ‘full trot’ during the class competition…as everyone wants to earn a 1st place nod from the three judges and take a Dakota Royal award back to their home state!
Get ready to show some true South Dakota hospitality to each of the hitches who have traveled from all across the US to compete in this national level draft horse show! The Swiftel Center doors open @ 11am Saturday & Sunday so you can visit the gentle giant hitches, their crews & many vendors BEFORE the show! NOTE!!–This SD show is unique by starting with the six horse hitch competition at 1pm daily, as its first class, so don’t be late! Enjoy marking your placings in the show’s program, and see how your eyes compare with the 3 judges! Don’t forget to place your bids for the Silent Auction items to help youth in the Draft Horse community!
Additional hitch classes of fours, unicorns, teams, carts, ladies & youth, along with farm team contests will provide plenty of show ring action for a family afternoon. Be sure to visit the barns after each show to interact with the gentle giant draft horses and chat with their drivers, and the crews who have traveled from all across the US to compete in this national level South Dakota show.
Tickets are available at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, SD, or at the door the day of the show. Admission is $10 adults & $5 for 11 & under. With free parking, AC comfort, stadium seating and an elevator, a multi generation family afternoon is easy. The Brookings ‘Dakota Royal’ draft horse show has become a very popular Midwest destination to anchor a family vacation and enjoy all that SD has to offer. Learn more about the unique awards and the horses and crews from across the US traveling to this national level South Dakota show via the facebook page “Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show.” https://www.facebook.com/dakotaroyaldraftshow/
— Dakota Royal Charity Draft Horse Show