Norwegian horse trophy

We had a great time at the Nordicfest in Libby. One of the highlights was attending the afternoon International Fjord Horse Show at J. Neils Memorial Park. It was almost a downfall for me, but more about that later.

Event opened with posting the colors, using Norwegian Fjord horses. As the rider presented the American flag, it stopped raining.

Next came the Canadian flag, which was carried in a buggy drawn by a four-in-hand team of Norwegian Fjord horses. This requires a driver with lady riding next to him, and two grooms dressed in their traditional garments seated opposite each other in the back.

The two grooms (ladies) then stood at attention beside the buggy for the Canadian national anthem. Next the Norwegian flag was presented and their national anthem played.

A total of 54 competitive events made up the two-day program, with entries from Canada and a number of states. Fjord horses are used for draft work, riding and driving, which were all displayed in competition.

We were curious, so I went online to learn about Norwegian Fjord horses. They are described as "one of the oldest and purest breeds" and are believed to have migrated to Norway more than 4,000 years ago. Origin of the breed is uncertain, but probably related to primitive wild horses of Asia.

It rained during the 10 a.m. parade, but we had a good vantage point from our cars. Of course, I was impressed with the fire engines and rescue equipment. Trucks included an old Mack fire truck, which reminded me of the one Columbia Falls purchased in the late 1940s. It was a big addition to the old DeFlyer our volunteer firemen used in those days.

There were parade entries from Cranbrook and Fernie, Canada, as well as Whitefish, Troy and Libby groups. Red Hat Society ladies participated, which is an idea for our Columbia Falls organization. There were beautiful floats that withstood the rain.

We enjoyed the variety of foods at the booths in downtown Libby. The Nordicfest juried-craft show was interesting and entertaining.

It was a mini-reunion as Howard and Connie came from Sandpoint, and her parents, Florence and Ralph McElmurray, joined Darlene, June, Babe and me. Florence served delicious, freshly baked caramel rolls.

Back to the International Norwegian Fjord Horse Show. We accidentally took a "souvenir" from the event.

We went back to McEImurrays before returning home. I always check car tires before driving and noticed the front left seemed "a little low." We thought it was the way the car was parked in McElmurray's driveway.

Then Howard discovered a nail in it. We went to Les Schwab's, and in little more than five minutes the horseshoe nail was removed and tire repaired.

Really, I did not want this souvenir from an International Norwegian Fjord Horse Show.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.