Draft horse showing

While making these laps on the rail, the horses are trotting and usually asked to walk for a few steps only once during the entire class.

This requires the driver of each hitch to direct his or her horse(s) to back either the cart or wagon a few feet, stop, and then step forward to the original position.

A draft horse shown as a hobby and competing only at local or county fairs would start at approximately $1,000.

A harness exhibitor uses appropriate equipment for driving, beginning with a truck and trailer to haul the draft horses to the show.

Along with the costly equipment, decorations that are put up at the draft horse shows and miscellaneous tack items must also be obtained.

The major agricultural shows in Australia hold led (conformation), trade and turnout classes for draft horses.

[1] The draft breeds exhibited in Australia are: Before leaving the farm all equipment is checked for problems, cleaned thoroughly, and packed into the truck–trailer used for travel.

Most exhibitors bathe their horses before departing from their home farms so that their stock arrive at the show looking well groomed.

Depending on the show's facilities, the draft horses tend to be hosed down upon arrival, or bathed completely to remove any dirt from their coats, though each farm has their own way of doing things.

Clydesdales require extra attention after the bathing process, due to their leg feathers, which are coated in sawdust to help keep dirt out of the wet hair.

Harnesses are wiped down again to remove any dust that has settled on them and the horses are hitched to the cart or wagon that will be used during the next class.