Essa National Draft Horse Show takes over Essa Agriplex

The 2025 Essa National Draft Horse Show (ENDHS) showcases heavy horses,, competitions, and vendors at the Essa Agriplex.

The event has happened for the last 13 years in Thornton and is an integral part of showcasing draft horse breeds.

John Northcote is the chairman of the ENDHS and said the event brings people from all around the region.

“it’s not just showing,” said Northcote. “They are breeding and they’re all home bred, they get sold on to other people.”

A six-horse hitch was also showcased and for the first time in the shows history there was an eight-horse hitch on display.

“There’s maybe one fair, two fairs in Ontario that’s ever had one and you won’t even see it at the Royal,” said Northcote. “It is special and if you would ask the drivers what it’s like to handle it, it’s not just like six in an extra line. It’s like six and an extra six.”

The ENDHS will continue Sunday August 3, and will feature Belgium, Clydesdale/Shire, and Percheron stallion and gelding halter classes before hitch classes begin at 1:00 p.m.

For more information you can go to their website.