It was at the 2006 Southern Draft H
orse Pull in Raleigh, North Carolina that I was part of the largest attended horse event I’ve ever seen at the Hunt Horse Complex. The place was packed with over 2000 spectators. They were there to see a contest of strength and stamina between the gentle giants of the horse world.
Southern National Draft Horse Pull has been the grand finale of The Southern Farm Show for nearly thirty years. When the producers of the farm show announced they would not be hosting the show this year Rob Hall and Calvin Davis went to work to make sure the tradition of the Southern National Draft Horse Pull will go on as scheduled for the first Friday of February, 2012.
Calvin Davis brings to the event many years of experience in the equine community.
Rob Hall, is a media and marketing professional. He has produced many events, including bluegrass festivals and horse shows. Both are draft horse owners.
Top contenders from all over the country will be invited to compete. Spectators will also be treated to a mule coon jumping contest and the Double Bar L Shooters of North Carolina will demonstration the sport of cowboy mounted shooting.
Draft horse pulling is a contest that requires brute strength and stamina. It traces back to the earliest times of domesticated workhorses when farmers challenged one another for whose horse could pull the heaviest load. One thing led to another, other farmers got in on the action, and rules were devised. The rest is history.
To compete, draft horses and draft mules must be in top condition. They are worked daily and great care is paid to their nutrition. Proper fitting of the horse’s equipment is important. Harnesses need constant adjusting since the horse’s weight and muscle tone change with the conditioning.
Gates open at 5PM, show begins at 6PM. Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 6 are free with a paying adult. You can save two dollars if you buy tickets for the pull at the Southern Farm Show on the NC State Fairgrounds Wednesday, February 1-Friday, February 3rd. For more information contact Calvin Davis 919-732-7542 (H) or Rob Hall 336-599-4039 (H) 336-503-7183 (cell).
Fans can find out more on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southerndrafthorsepull or print out a flyer at www.southerndrafthorsepull.com
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