Spooky Saddles: TDHMA hosted successful play day

The Texas Draft Horse and Mule Association (TDHMA) held its 14th annual Play Day at the Limestone County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 26. Those attending enjoyed 18 timed classes featuring draft horses and mules, including obstacle courses, farm team events, barrels, and cones, both under saddle and driving. Despite the low spectator turnout, the 28 participants and their horses and mules had a lot of fun.  
“This is our only play day of the year, and Limestone County Arena has been our host for all 14 years,” said event coordinator Debbie Halford. Halford and her husband, Doug, began sponsoring the event at the request of Mexia local Johnny Amick, who served on the committee that built the fairground facility. “He thought it would be a great place for TDHMA to hold an event, and here we are, year after year,” Halford shared. Amick, now over 90, remained actively involved this year, judging the Farm Team classes after participating with his own horses through 2022.
Founded in 1983, TDHMA has spent 41 years bringing draft horse and mule enthusiasts together for events, including an annual play day, trail ride, and “plow days,” where members use traditional horse-drawn equipment like plows and mowers.
For more information on TDHMA, visit tdhma.org.