Canal’s Mike dies at 23
January 4, 2023 at 5:58 p.m.
The historic canal town of Metamora draws visitors from all over the region with the many things that make the town unique. One favorite activity for tourists was the leisurely ride on the canal in a boat pulled by two American Belgian Draft horses. The current horses, Mike, Joey and Jordan, have served the community for nearly 20 years.
When the draft horses weren't pulling the boat, the gentle giants could be found in their stable, showing off for their admirers and enjoying the attention it brought them.
Sadly Mike, who worked at the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site in Metamora since 2005, died early on Dec. 30 of natural causes. He was 23 years old.
Mike was about 19 hands high, weighed approximately 1,500 pounds, and came to Metamora as a 3-year-old. He pulled the canal boat for more than 15 years, giving thousands of visitors a glimpse of Indiana's transportation history.
The Whitewater Canal site manager Jay Dishman said Mike was "a gentle giant who loved people."
Joey and Jordan are both 22 years old and are in good health.
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The historic canal town of Metamora draws visitors from all over the region with the many things that make the town unique. One favorite activity for tourists was the leisurely ride on the canal in a boat pulled by two American Belgian Draft horses. The current horses, Mike, Joey and Jordan, have served the community for nearly 20 years.
When the draft horses weren't pulling the boat, the gentle giants could be found in their stable, showing off for their admirers and enjoying the attention it brought them.
Sadly Mike, who worked at the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site in Metamora since 2005, died early on Dec. 30 of natural causes. He was 23 years old.
Mike was about 19 hands high, weighed approximately 1,500 pounds, and came to Metamora as a 3-year-old. He pulled the canal boat for more than 15 years, giving thousands of visitors a glimpse of Indiana's transportation history.
The Whitewater Canal site manager Jay Dishman said Mike was "a gentle giant who loved people."
Joey and Jordan are both 22 years old and are in good health.