Horse Power vs. Horsepower

This past weekend I decided to take a break from all of my 'to do's' and go to the Old Thresher's event. Basically, its farmers and exibitioners from around the tri-states showing off their tractors (antique and newer), women showing off their quilting and homemade wares, a small flea market, along with food, ice cream, and other events. It showcases the past, and how we've come to be. So I loaded up Ben, thinking it would be a great training/socialization exercise as well, and off we went. That big boy did soooo good!! At first he was a bit scared of the horses, but taking our time, he got used to them and was actually sleaping through some of the event, and we were mere feet from the pulls!! He also did really well with all the people and kids wanting to pet him...of course he loved it, and learned quickly to 'be easy'. Anyway.....

Among the different events are the antique tractor pulls (in low gear, hooked to a 'sled' the tractors of different classes see how far they can pull a progressively heavier weight), the kiddie tractor races and pulls, tractor races/games, and finally, the draft horse pulls. Anyone that knows me is well aware of my affection for the latter. I go every year specifically to see them. Of course, I go the day prior to watch the in-laws pull with their tractors. But the highlight for me is the horses. I take tons of pictures every year, and although its usually the same participants, I still sit in awe of the sheer raw power of these magnificent animals. Most of them pull on the farms; plows, wagons, hay racks, etc. But this event is different. They must pull a sled from a dead stop, and its 'dead weight'. The teams are weighed, then cinderblocks are placed on the sled in a progressive ratio depending on the team pulling. Don't ask me, thats all I can tell you..lol. Here is the sled:



On the back a 12 foot chain was attached and gathered close....when the sled was pulled, the chain unraveled and once it had reached the end, a whistle blew signaling to the drivers they could stop.

On the average, teams weighed in at around 3,500 pounds. They would start out pulling their weight, then go up with each pull, with teams being given 2 attempts per pull. If they could not or would not pull on both attempts, or pulled short, they were eliminated. They were 'whittled' down until the last 2 teams remained. Whoever pulled the full length after that was the winner. And would you believe it came down to a husband and wife competing against each other?? LOL SHE WON!! WOOHOO!!

Anyway, after the horse pulls I went to the car show for a different display of horsepower. Old cars, new cars, fancy cars, you name it. I like the 1940's hot rods, and the Camero's. So, here are some pictures for your enjoyment...

















Ben after the pulls and on our way to the car show:





And here are a few shots of the other horsepower!!







Needless to say, the 2 days of playing really set me back, so I spent all day Sunday, and part of today catching up!! LOL....but I wouldn't miss those horses for the world!!