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24 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, August 29, 1989 CNE Senior Showperson 1989 Seagrave girl is Co by Rob Streich It is not every young lady who gets to become a queen. This year, Lorna Durward is the Commercial Horse Asso- ciation Queen - a nice honour for this active 16 year old tom- boy. This title was not simply bestowed on Lorna, it has been earned over nine years of in- volvement in showing commer- cial horses. Since the Durward family became active in this sport in 1979, Lorna has enjoyed early mornings and tasks such as cleaning up after the families many horses, bathing them and grooming them. On an average fair day there is no sleeping in. The horses must all be cleaned, their manes braided, the wagon and hitch need polishing. After finally loading the horses and the equipment, then the driv- ers must attend to themselves, including a spare change) and a crown and sash for Lorna. Then, still before many people are awake, the Dur- wards are heading off to Kin- mount or Norwood or the Cana- dian National Exhibition. Every weekend from July until Thanksgiving, the Dur- wards visit about 20 fairs. Yet Lorna and her brother Leslie manage to keep their grades up and enjoy a few things in life outside of horses.. While the prize money is often enough to pay for trans- portation costs and a little so- cializing, the real joy is in the competition and the pride one takes in the skill they have de- pre aring all the proper clothes' many interesting people, Lor- na's time as Commercial Horse Queen has helped her to devel- op a little more self confidence, improve her public speaking ability and develop a quick foot to avoid a skittish horse. Lorna is an accomplished show person with boxes full of ribbons to attest to her ability. On Sunday, Lorna was judged to be the top Senior Showman at the C.N.E., for the second time. Last year at the Canadian National Exhibition Lorna and her 15 year old brother Leslie both finished first in the Senior and Junior Showmanship com- petition, respectively. The then competed against eac other for the top overall show person - Lorna managed to stealit away. Commercial Horses are the animals which would have been used to pull milk wagons or mail trucks a few decades past. They are crossbred, usu- ally with Clydesdale, but they can also be Belgian or Percher- on crossed with a Hackney. The Draught horse in them gives them the size and pulling strength. The Hackney gives them the action, the showy way they have of raising their feet up high. In competition, the horses are judged on looks and action. STEP in TIME CLOGGING mmercial Horse Queen So all of the Durward horses are carefully med, their manes are braided and the bri- dle or harness which they wear is clean and shiny. Ideally, a good looking commercial horse is one with lots of white on the feet and a strip down the head. A horse which met these criteria could be expected to do well in show- ing. Durwards' have equip- ment for their horses, to help them look as as they can. Their solid show wagonis a beautiful addition which has been used to carry newly mar- ried couples to the church on oc- casion. Competition occurs in dif- ferent classes including single light and heavy, light team or heavy, single tandem, four horse team, unicorn (one in front of a pair), six horse team. There is also a halter class which includes, foals, year- lings, brood mares, two and three year olds. There is a showmanship class which is for the younger set to compete in, as well as a class just for ladies. In 1992, the Commercial Horse Association will be cele- brating their 25th anniversary. A commemorative book of their history is being compiled for that occasion. veloped. With the whole family involved, there is some open Lorna Durward, in her official capacity as the Commer- ... now offering 5 classes in Scugog Township clal Horse Association Queen, is present at many fairs and competition between father START exhibitions to assist officials by pinning ribbons on winning and son, mother and daughter. LEVEL DAY & TIME LOCATION DATE | teams. Sometimes this involves the special skill to quickly' In a field where women Begin. (child) Thurs. 6:30 to 7:30 PM Manchester Sept. 14 step out of the way of these half ton animals. were once thought to be inferi- Begin. (adult) Thurs. 8:00 to 9:30 PM Manchester Sept. 14 | or, Lorna and her mother have a } beaten enough men to assert Begin. (mixed) Sat. 10:00 to 11:00 AM Blackstock Sept. 16 their equality. Inter. (mixed) Sat. 1:30 to 3:00 PM Blackstock Sept. 16 Lorna is at the C.N.E. right Adv. (mixed) = Sat. 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Blackstock Sept. 16 now, probably enjoying the company of the many other horse enthusiasts and "party- ing" with the many friends she has made, "from Ottawa to Un- derwood and Paisley." In addition to meeting COST: $4.00 - 1 Lesson (Special Family Rates available) ... fun ... fitness ... fellowship ... all ages (young and young-at-heart) ... no pattner needed ... all types of music TO REGISTER CALL: Wendy 852-5535 or Carol 986-4236 139 WATER ST. . 6 HIGH STREET ORT PERRY PORT PERRY auto glass & trim FRC \ ( * K HC WITH THIS COUPON 68 WATER STREET | PORT PERRY 985-9888 SUNDAY to THURSDAY -- Noon to 8:30 PM Open until 10:00 PM -- FRIDAY & SATURDAY OPEN THIS HOLIDAY MONDAY 985-8507 - MOBILE SERVICE - GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP