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