1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair

Clydesdale Horse Show

A relatively small number of Clydesdales were presented in the Horse Shows of the 1904 World’s Fair.  This particular breed fell short of everyone’s expectations. However,  even though several high-quality Clydesdales were present, some well-known ones were missing.  Two firms from Canada made great preparations for this event.  One firm even went  to Scotland to purchase a dozen of prizewinning Clydesdales, specifically for showing in St. Louis.  This firm's imported Clydesdales, however, never made it to the fair.  This was unfortunate since their Clydesdales had done so well in past years.

Exhibitors included the McLay  Bros.,  Janesville, Wis.;  Ed Hodgson, El Paso, Ill.; T. L. Wibray, Tremont,  Ill.; A. G. Soderburg, Osco,  Ill.  The   judges were H.  von Biedenfield, of Illinois and Alex. Galbraith, of Wisconsin. 

In the Group competition,  the McLay Brothers held the dominant position in most classes, obtaining many first prizes.  The mares, however, obtained the most prizes due to the fact that they were the largest class present for the Clydesdales. The Universal Exposition offered  prizes amounting to $6,205  to the winners of the Clydesdale exhibition, despite the unexpected low turnout.

In the Livestock Forum

Clydesdale First Place Winners

• Stallion-Four years old or ever: Gov. Tillinan's Match; Exhibitor-McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Stallion-Three years and under four: Glen Gary; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Stallion-Two years and under three: Ben Lomond; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Stallion-One year and under two: Prince Loyal; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Stallion-Under one year: Prince Patrick; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Mare-Four years old or over: Princess Goodwin; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Mare-Three years old and under four: Lady Elegant; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Mare-Two years and under three: Alice Roosevelt; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Mare-One year and under two: Lady Lynedoch; Ex. H. V. Biedenfeld, Granville, Ill.

• Mare-Under one year:  Queen of Ashwood; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Four animals of either sex-Any age, get of one sire: His Exceliency; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Two animals of either sex-Any age, produce of one mare: Starlight; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Stallion and four Mares-Three years old or over: Prince Dauntess; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Stallion and four Mares-Under three years: Shennendoah; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Stallion and four Mares-All two years old or over: His Royal Highness; Ex. McLay Bros., Janesville, Wis.

• Mare-Four years old or over: Prince Desirable; Ex. T. L. Wibray, Tremont, Ill.

• Mare-Three years old and under four: Florinda; Ex. A. G. Soderberg, Osco, Ill.

Reference: The Horse Show Monthly, 1904; World's Fair Bulletin, July & October 1904; The Breeder's Gazette, August 31 & September 7, 1904; St. Louis Republic, August 21, 1904.

This page was designed by Piper Wilson and is maintained by Lyndon Irwin.

Photos from the Lyndon Irwin collection.

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