Rock and Roll shown by Dick Edder, owned by Elizabeth Edder of Colorado Springs, CO.

I have watched Rock and Roll compete in Pueblo at the Colorado State Fair, and Denver at the Stock Show.

In times gone by, heavy work around ranches was done through the brute pulling power of these muscular horses. Communities created competitions as part of their local festivals to see whose team could pull the most weight. Horse pulling matches often became a main attraction during festivals in ranching communities. Some teams of horses can pull as much as 5 tons; 10,000 pounds.

This six-horse Percheron Hitch team opened the Cheyenne Frontier Days 2000 rodeo events.

The ground pounding I felt was not an earthquake, but graceful and beautifully groomed 2000-pound draft horses working in unison. It was an awe inspiring experience to hear the crowd hush as the drivers talk to their hitches. A lot of people probably do not realize that voice commands are a big part of how they control their horses. "Team-Up!" the wagon master called. The right lead gelding started off rearing, then settled and leaned into the harness.

These dapple grays headed out for work to pull the 103rd Annual Cheyenne Frontier Days hay wagon and junior got to tag along. This pint-sized paint draft colt became one of the stars when he was included in the parade festivities.

Many of the foals of the working drafts are herded together in a holding corral--their day care center for the day. They neigh in high-pitch squeals  and kick up their heels, displaying their protest at being separated from Mom. 

For folks who have never seen these massive animals (the Belgians range between 2,000 and 2,800 pounds in weight), the draft pull is sure to be an eye-opener! The Draft Horse Pull is one of the most popular show attractions.

This Belgian was impatient to get to work, pawing the ground and swinging back and forth churning the dirt in his tie area. His cleated  shoes enable him to get traction and lean into the harness with his partner during the heavy-weight draft pull competitions. I found him behind the arena stands at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado.

"Rarin' to Go"
24" x 30" oil
© 1999 Deborah Nelson
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The American Belgians are often taller and not as heavy as their European ancestors. They are predominately chestnut in color with blond manes and tails.

This pair was maneuvering an obstacle course competition at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo. What a sight and sound they make as they move through the course, harness chains ringing and hooves  pounding.