Free entertainment: Draft horses pull in sizable crowds

There are certain traditions that stand the test of time, and at the State Fair of West Virginia, the draft horse pull has climbed its way to the top of the list for generations of fairgoers.

Embodying the 2022 “Mountain Grown Fun” theme, draft horses were once the backbone of agriculture; their labor was used for pulling farming equipment, plowing fields, hauling heavy loads, and much more. In addition to being an essential part of the agricultural industry, draft horses were also pivotal in the construction of roads and railways, which helped to ship products across even greater distances.

West Virginia’s waterways were also a place of work for these animals, as they assisted in floating logs down rivers and hauled supplies along the roads and trails and followed the waterway.

With the development of industrial innovations, draft horse numbers peaked in the 1920s for the United States. While their role in larger-scale operations was no longer a necessity, the working animals maintained a crucial role in farming and logging operations throughout the state for several more decades. Even after the development of more modern machinery, West Virginia’s rugged terrain made many areas of industry inaccessible for such equipment, so the dependency on draft horses endured a longer time in history in comparison to some of the other areas of the country.

Paying homage to their roots in agriculture, the early morning draft horse pull at the fair draws out hundreds of people each year, with spectators ranging in size from small babies to those ripe in years.

Some of the older generations in the stands can recall the bygone era in which these animals played a crucial role in heavy labor operations, and those memories are something that they enjoy sharing with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren as they watch their feats of strength in awe. Many spectators also enjoy stepping into the draft horse barn afterwards to get a close-up look at the size and muscular stature of the animals, giving them an even greater appreciation for their power.

The morning starts early for draft horse competitors; before the event begins, each team of horses must be weighed and categorized. It’s a long day for those partaking in the event, but many do it for their passion in preserving the tradition. The event’s competitors come from all over the country to showcase their team of horses and to compete for titles and prizes. Each team must pull a minimum of 3,000 lbs., with weight being added in each round.

“You’re not able to go many places anymore and see draft horses do what they were made for, so to be able to see that is absolutely incredible,” explained special events and concessions manager Melody Hill as she recounted the popularity of the event amongst not only fairgoers, but also fair staff.

The event, which will take place at the grandstand on Friday, August 19, at 9 a.m., seems to bridge the gap between generations to bring everyone closer together.

“So many people have created their own traditions,” noted Hill. “When they come to the draft horse pull, most people get a ham biscuit, a Ben Ellen donut, and a coffee.”

A quick scan around the crowd provides a glimpse into these traditions, as families share their favorite fair breakfast together, cheer on draft horse teams, and make memories together that they can then pass on to their loved ones for years to come.