NYSDHC Plow Day Sunday May 15, 2011

[ghoward]

For the last forty years, the New York State Draft Horse Club (NYSDHC) has sponsored a horse drawn Plow Day in May. This year, the event will be held at the Terri Mather Farm in Fenner, NY on Sunday May 15. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come and see how draft horses can be used and enjoyed. The Plow Day is a complete event with horse drawn wagon rides, refreshments, and club members available to answer questions and help observers understand the way draft horses are trained and used for work and pleasure. The horses will be plowing from 10 AM to about 2 PM and twenty teams of horses are expected at this year’s event. Due to insurance considerations, pets are not allowed on the grounds.

To get to the Mather Farm and the Plow Day, take Exit 34 (Canastota) from the NYS Thruway and go South on Rt. 13 through Canastota to Route 5. On Route 5, go West to Quarry Road (approx. 3 miles). Then go South on Quarry Rd. to Perryville, (approx 4 miles). In Perryville bear left on Nelson-Perryville Road to Fenner Corners (approx. 3 miles). At Fenner Corners, turn right on Bingley Road. The Plow site is about ¼ mile on the right. For more info contact Gordon Howard at 315-436-5982. Attached is a poster used to advertise the event.

The NYSDHC was formed in 1956 with the purpose of promoting draft horses in the state of New York. In the ensuing years, the club has donated an estimated $150,000 to help New Yorkers understand how to use and enjoy these gentile giants. The club meets monthly for a membership meeting, leadership planning, club picnic, or annual dinner meeting. At these gatherings, members get to share experiences and learn from each other. These meetings are especially valuable opportunities for new or prospective owners to learn from long time draft horse enthusiasts who are always willing to help less experienced members.

Every year, the NYSDHC has a number of events. The club holds a sale at the Cortland County Fairgrounds on the first Thursday and Friday of October. On Thursday, two auctioneers are busy most of the day selling draft horse related tack and equipment. On Friday, about 125 horses are sold. The sale and a raffle of a young draft horse are the major money making events of the club. The club uses the money raised to provide prize money for draft horse classes at fair horse shows throughout the state of New York and scholarships to deserving students interested in equine studies.

Additionally, each year the club hosts five draft horse demonstrations to show what draft horses can do. In addition to the already completed 2011 Ice Harvest demonstration in Tully and the May Plow Day, the NYSDHC will also sponsor a Haying demonstration in July, a Wheat Harvest in August and a Corn Harvest using draft horses in September. Club members will also participate in a trail drive in June

The annual Plow Day should be an exciting opportunity to see draft horses in action. It will also be a chance to learn more about the activities of the NYSDHC and how to use and enjoy draft horses. More information is available at http://www.ny-state-draft-horse-club.org.

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