Canadian heavy-horse circuit sees Pickering namesake in the ribbons
A British Columbia operation bearing the Pickering name is riding a hot streak on the North American heavy-horse circuit, collecting hardware at the 2026 Calgary Stampede and at a major competition in Saint Paul, Minnesota. While not connected to the City of Pickering, the family team’s recent results — alongside an Ontario victory — will be of interest to local readers who follow equine sport and agricultural heritage.
Days after securing the World Champion Heavy Horse Hitch title at the Stampede, the ZD Pickering Family Farms “Big Six” from Prince George, B.C. travelled to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Driven by teamster Tim Sparrow and his wife Britney, the black Percheron geldings were judged reserve champions in the Supreme Six Horse Hitch at the World Percheron Congress on Saturday, July 11.
“The overall winner was Wilson Farms of Vankleek, Ont.”
The World Percheron Congress class drew 32 entries and was livestreamed; organizers noted the replay remains available on YouTube. Footage of the Pickering team’s post-class lap appears at approximately the 2:43:00 mark of the video.
Stampede pulling events cap a prolific week
The Pickerings also capped the 10-day Stampede by entering the heavy-horse pull, where teams of two draft horses drag a steel stone-boat stacked with concrete blocks. In the middleweight division, a pair named Stoney and Bill from the Pineview stable pulled 11,500 pounds to win the class. In lightweight, Lenny and Goose took top spot with a pull of 11,000 pounds. The stable also finished second in the heavyweight pull earlier in the week.
Event officials measure each attempt against a set distance — often 14 feet. If no team reaches the target, the longest pull determines the winner. Judges also assess turnout and presentation, reflecting the sport’s blend of strength, control and horsemanship.
At a glance: results linked to the Pickering name
| Event | Outcome | Team/Horses | Notable Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Stampede – World Champion Heavy Horse Hitch | Champion | ZD Pickering Family Farms Big Six | — |
| World Percheron Congress – Supreme Six Horse Hitch | Reserve Champion | ZD Pickering Family Farms Big Six | 32 entries; video at ~2:43:00 |
| Calgary Stampede – Middleweight Pull | Winner | Stoney & Bill | 11,500 lb pull |
| Calgary Stampede – Lightweight Pull | Winner | Lenny & Goose | 11,000 lb pull |
| Calgary Stampede – Heavyweight Pull | Second place | — | — |
| World Percheron Congress – Supreme Six Horse Hitch | Champion | Wilson Farms (Vankleek, Ont.) | Ontario winner |
Why this matters for Ontario readers
Heavy-horse competition has deep Canadian roots. In the early 20th century, draft breeds — Clydesdales, Shires, Belgians and Percherons — powered farm work, from hauling grain to turning fields. What began as informal strength trials among neighbours became a fixture at fairs, including the Calgary Stampede and regional exhibitions. The recent results highlight how that heritage continues to draw strong participation across provinces, with an Ontario-based hitch taking the Congress title and a British Columbia team with the Pickering name close behind.
For residents in Durham Region, the sport’s visibility underscores a broader agricultural story: showcasing husbandry, training and teamwork on public stages, and sustaining a living link to the machinery-free era that shaped rural economies. The performances in Calgary and Saint Paul also point to the cross-border circuit that many Canadian competitors travel each summer, bringing home recognition that resonates with fairgoers from the Prairies to Ontario.
How to watch and follow
- The World Percheron Congress session from Saint Paul was livestreamed; organizers say the replay remains available on YouTube, with the Pickering team’s lap around the 2:43:00 timestamp.
- Stampede heavy-horse events run across the 10-day program each July, culminating in class and division titles for hitches and pulling teams.
As the summer fair season continues, Ontario fans will watch for further showings from Wilson Farms and other hitches on the circuit — and keep an eye on the Pickering namesake team that has made a strong case as one of the season’s standouts.
