


Dr. Merlin D. Eggleston's love of horses started as a boy
on a farm near Crystal, Michigan where he drove and cared for his father's
horses. In 1940 while attending Michigan State College school of
Veterinary medicine, Merlin showed a Belgian horse in the "Little
International". He received trophies for Champion Showman of horses and
Sweepstakes Showman for all animals.
In 1959, Doc renewed his interest in pulling horses.
His teams were always well harnessed, conditioned, trained and mannered.
The highlight of his pulling was winning the National Heavyweight Championship
at Centreville in 1972.
In 1977, Doc was instrumental in establishing the Michigan
/Great Lakes International. Our inductee served as pull chairman for
five consecutive years. He later served as chairman for several more
years. The International continues to strive for the very high standards
established by its first chairman.
"Doctor E", was also very active in Farm Bureau, Michigan
Draft Horse Breeders Association, The Michigan Veterinarian Medical Association
and served on the Fowlerville Fair Board for almost 20 years. M. D.
Eggleston, DVM. would often say "the outside of a horse is good for the inside
of a man", and "if you want to get yourself in for a lot of work, try
horsepulling"
Photo courtesy of Cecil E. Darnell
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