MARCH 2025 • WINTER FAIR • THE BRANDON SUN
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Arthur has experienced plenty of changes in his own life as well. He started his professional career as an ordained Anglican priest, hav- ing served the church for a decade before making a career change to work for the Fire Department at CFB Shilo for another decade. That led to another shift, where he’s spent the past 12 years working for the Office of the Fire Commissioner as the Logistics Coordinator for the Urban Search and Rescue team. Through all the change the one constant was the connection to the land, and specifically his home farm just south of Brandon. Nestled just north of the Brandon Hills, Arthur and spouse Heather along with children Hailey and Alex tend to their animals. Most days, it’s all hands on deck, especially as fair season approaches. As the seasons change, the animals take plenty of tending to, but it’s a la- bour of love. The family’s eight Clydesdales will
be shown in various classes, meaning all four Arthurs will be exceptionally busy not only preparing and show- ing their animals but giving back to the organization in various volunteer roles. Whether as a hobby or a means of earning a living, if farmers are known for anything it’s not shying away from a little hard work. “By mid-week you wonder why you do it. By the end of the week, you’re glad it’s over. Two days later you wish it was longer. Why else would you want to be there at five a.m. and stay until midnight for six days straight?” Arthur asked rhetorically with a laugh. Whether it’s pitching in as a vol- unteer or preparing their own ani- mals, for Arthur nothing competes with leading their team of Clydes- dales into the main arena in front of a packed house. “When you ask people what brings them back to the fair the draft horses are near the top of the list. People love to see these things go,” Arthur said.
••••• Times and trends in agriculture have changed significantly since the Winter Fair’s inception. These days, draft horses are used mostly for demonstration purposes only. But to those that care for them they still very much serve a purpose. “As crazy as the world gets the hors- es force you to slow you down,” said Arthur. “In my professional roles I most often deal with people when they’re at their worst. These horses aren’t cheap, but it’s my best therapy.” “These horses remind you can only go so fast and for so long before you need a rest. We’re no different. They look after you at the same time you look after them.” The connection between the an- imals and those that tend them is timeless. In a world filled with frequent change, some things are constant: farming, family -- and the fair. » mpackwood@brandonsun.com
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