Ted English

For more than 40 years, Ted English successfully operated Country Lane Cartage, a milk transport business based in Sunderland. It was from this business that the team of Country Lane Belgians was born. Initially as a business promotion, Ted showed his antique milk wagons and horse-drawn equipment in local community parades and festivals. However, Ted’s love of these heavy horses blossomed and his six horse hitch went on to compete in 15 to 20 shows a year, including such prestigious events as the New York State Fair, the Eastern States Exposition, the Royal Winter Fair and winning several world titles at the North American Belgian Championships.

Ted was proud to say that the Sunderland Fair was always the home of his Belgians and he generously shared his love for these heavy horses with the Sunderland community. The distinctive turquoise colored hitch wagon from Country Lane Belgians regularly appeared in the Santa Claus Parade and his teams pulled the wagons for the historical tours of the town at the annual Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival. Ted was generous in his support for the annual Horsemen’s Dance and Auction raising the necessary funds to see the continuation of the heavy horse event at the fall fair.

In recognition of Ted’s contribution to the Sunderland community the Lion’s Club established a scholarship in his name that is presented annually to students living in Brock Township who have exhibited exceptional leadership and are pursuing studies in the agricultural sector.