Annette’s Bella and Lex are the Leaders on the Flag Wagon 4-Up at the 2026 Draft Horse Classic!

 Friday, September 18, 2026 This was an exciting evening for Big Horse Works helpers and extended family to watch Annette’s Percherons, Lex and his mom, Bella, being hitched to Nolan Darnell‘s flag wagon. As I watched them enter the arena for the opening ceremony and national anthem, it was hard to believe it was their first time ever as a team in a four up, and they were leading the parade! After Annette trained Lex to pull single, she got help from Nolan and David to give him team experience with David’s Percherons . That’s when Lex learned to wear his “big boy” collar and hames and to get some work ethic to pull his fair share; this came after the Percheron Lex was partnered with gave him some lessons in teamwork. After that, he drove even better as a single and when he was teamed with Bella, he taught her what he learned from David’s Percheron. Their progress has been amazing. That is why this was so beautiful to watch- all the result of friends helping friends!