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Above: Feed team competition is a timed event where each hitch needed to load and unload at four different stops. Below: Schreiber Percherons -
Local Tradition Continues Representing the hometown crowd was Joe Biren with JRBiren’s Belgians. What began as a family tradition in the early 1970s continues today, as the Biren family celebrates more than 50 years in the draft horse industry. Today, the second and -
Joe Biren and son, William
The Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show welcomed exhibitors and spectators from across the Midwest June 2628 at the Murray County Fairgrounds, once again celebrating the strength, beauty, and tradition of the draft horse. Although Sunday’s performances were canceled due to rain and unsafe arena conditions, Friday and Saturday featured outstanding competition, enthusiastic crowds, and exceptional displays of horsemanship.
This year’s event featured 10 outstanding six-horse hitch competitors, showcasing some of the finest draft horses in the country. The lineup included: Apenhorst Belgians, Spring Valley, Minnesota – proud participants in every Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show since its inception Schreiber Percherons, Plainview, Minnesota Silver Creek Farm, Belle Plaine, Minnesota Bartsch’s Percherons, Plainview, Minnesota Hemmersbach Percherons, Cashton, Wisconsin Pittman Percherons, Claremont, Minnesota Country Classic Clydesdales, Winthrop, Minnesota Teamsters Hitch, Brighton, Missouri Solomon’s Clydesdales, Madrid, Iowa JRBiren’s Belgians, Slayton, Minnesota In addition to the six-horse hitches, the weekend featured talented farm teams, feed teams, four-horse hitches, unicorn hitches, ladies cart classes, junior drivers, and obstacle course competition, providing spectators with a full weekend of family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the versatility, skill, and tradition of the draft horse.
Friday Night Champions Friday night’s competition featured exciting classes and concluded with the following champions: Six-Horse Hitch: Schreiber Percherons Four-Horse Hitch: Hanson Percherons Unicorn Hitch (Group B): Apenhorst Belgians Ladies Cart (Group B): Hemmersbach Percherons
Saturday Night Champions Saturday evening continued with another outstanding night of competition.
Champions included: Six-Horse Hitch: Schreiber Percherons of Plainview, Minnesota. Brothers Brad and Clint Schreiber have proudly exhibited their majestic Percheron six-horse hitch for more than 40 years and continue to rank among the premier competitors in the draft horse industry.
Feed Team Race: Colton Lammers Four-Horse Hitch (Group B): Apenhorst Belgians Unicorn Hitch (Group A): Schreiber Percherons Farm Team: Denny Van Roekel Ladies Cart (Heat A): Schreiber Percherons Obstacle Course: Jason Lammers The coveted High Point Farm Team Award was presented to Tyler Wiseman of Marathon, Iowa, recognizing his consistent excellence throughout the weekend’s farm team competition.
third generations proudly carry on that legacy, exhibiting their Belgians throughout the Midwest.
Following the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show, JRBiren’s Belgians will continue their season at the Olmsted County Fair, Freeborn County Fair, Clay County Fair, and the Iowa State Fair.
Honoring a Dedicated Friend of the Show One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend was the committee’s tribute to Gaylen Jensen, whose dedication helped shape the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show from its very beginning.
Gaylen was involved with the show since its inception nearly 20 years ago and was a familiar face to exhibitors and spectators alike. For nearly two decades, visitors arriving at the Murray County Fairgrounds were often greeted by Gaylen cruising the grounds in his golf cart, offering directions, sharing a story, lending a helping hand, or simply making sure every guest felt welcome.
He was much more than a volunteer—he was an ambassador for the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show.
He helped build it, supported it, and poured his heart into making it a success year after year.
For Gaylen, the show was about more than competition. It was about preserving tradition, fostering teamwork, building friendships, and celebrating the incredible power, grace, and beauty of the draft horse.
Although Gaylen passed away in 2025, his legacy lives on through the event he loved and helped build. The Murray County Draft Horse Committee was honored to recognize his many years of dedication and service during this year’s show, celebrating a man whose passion and commitment helped make the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show what it is today.
A Heartfelt Thank You
The Murray County Draft Horse Committee extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the 2026 show another memorable success.
“Our committee is incredibly thankful for the exhibitors who traveled hundreds of miles to compete, the thousands of spectators who filled the grandstands, our generous sponsors whose financial support makes this event possible, and the many volunteers who devoted countless hours before and during the show,” said the com-mittee.
“While we were disappointed that Sunday’s performances had to be canceled because of the rain and wet arena conditions, the safety of our horses, exhibitors, drivers, volunteers, and spectators will always be our highest priority. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support.”
The committee also extends its gratitude to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who contributed their time, talents, and resources to help preserve one of southwest Minnesota’s premier draft horse events.
Planning is already underway for 2027, when the Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show will celebrate its 20th Anniversary. The committee looks forward to welcoming exhibitors and spectators back to Slayton for another exciting weekend honoring the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and tradition of the draft horse.
The Murray County Draft Horse Committee thanks everyone who helped make the 2026 show another success and invites everyone to mark their calendars for next year’s milestone celebration.
For updates on the 2027 Murray County Classic Draft Horse Show, follow the event on Facebook as plans begin for the 20th Anniversary celebration.
