For the past 62 years, he has repeatedly taken home box after box of red ribbons from the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for performances with his ponies in the Hackney class.

Walking into his Wellandport home, naturally built within the front of his barn at his 60-acre farm at 5375 Canborough Road, one can be taken aback by the number of ribbons lining the four walls.

"Those are just from this year," said Mr. Alderman, pointing at one wall plastered with red, blue and white ribbons, with 12 first place finishes from the Barrie Fair alone. His prowess with horses is so well known, that opponents will avoid shows that feature Mr. Alderman when possible.

Now 75, Mr. Alderman has been in the Hackney business since he could clean a harness at age 10. In his prime, he would pack up his family into his ancient Ford CL9000 and house trailer to attend 35 agricultural fairs across the continent a year.

In that time, he's won all of the competitions he could ever dream of. His best pony never lost a harness class in 13 years, he said.

His secret? His hands.

"You've just got to have the touch," he said.

Nowadays, he and his wife of 54 years, Brenda, will only attend 15 provincial fairs annually.

Thanks to Mr. Alderman, his legend in the carriage will be on display locally this weekend, when he and his ponies pull into the Lincoln County Fair Saturday.

That's because, after a 18-year hiatus, the 2008 horse show at the Lincoln County Fair will once again feature a Hackney show.

"The return of the Hackneys will really help spruce up the show," said Mr. Alderman, who requested the return of the show.

Since getting the OK for the carriage-toting ponies to return, he has contacted a variety of his friends and competitors to come out and be judged by one of the best in Jim McKague.

"What keeps me going?" Mr. Alderman wonders at the question. "That those two guys up there think they're better than me," he answers his own question, while pointing at a framed photo of his two sons, Dennis and Kenny.

Along with his daughters, Jane and Judy, the Hackney business has been a family one since the end of the Second World War.

Today, the Alderman grandchildren are even a part of the Hackney tradition.

Carriage drivers from across Ontario will pour into Beamsville Saturday afternoon with their horses and ponies to compete in a horse show that continues to expand and grow.

Committee chair Stephen Capell, who manages Lowden's Feed in Smithville, admits he is extremely excited to showcase some of the finest animals in the province.

"We've got one of the best rings in Ontario," he said matter-of-factly. "And the Hackney horse show should be something that brings the people out. We always try to add something new."

On Saturday morning, the ring will showcase an event dubbed the "Gentleman's Turnout," where decorated four-wheeled buggies enter the ring, manned by gentlemen in old-fashioned suits and hauling picnic baskets, as if they were going on a date. "It provides a great atmosphere of showmanship," said Mr. Capell.

Local saddle clubs such as Saddle Up Niagara and the Port Colborne Saddle Club will also make appearances during the weekend, competing in barrel races and other special events including the novelty class.

"It's all about the kids," said Mr. Capell. "The novelty class will feature a unique, never before practiced event. That's the whole point of fall fairs. It breaks the stress of the show."

The heavy horse and road horse class shows will be paired together on Saturday morning, while on Sunday morning, the miniature and light horses will provide the entertainment.