Precision Plowing

The Kentucky State Horse Pulling Contest is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at the Mike Downs farm in Bath County. Plowing matches are part of agriculture history, giving farmers an opportunity to display their skills and also show off their horses or mules.

Classes in the state contest include: Walking Plow with two horses or mules; Sulky Plow with two horses or mules; and a Gang Plow, which has more than three horses hitched to a plow with two bottoms or more.

Contestants will draw for their plowing plots at 10 a.m., with the competition beginning shortly afterward.

There is no time limit on plowing. The three-judge panel will choose the winners based on precision plowing.

Spectators are invited to come watch this fun event that will last into the afternoon. Bring your lawn chair. Concessions will be offered by the local 4-H club, or feel free to bring your own.

Additional competitors are welcome. All horses and mules must have a negative coggins and current health certificate to compete.

The event, hosted by the Eastern Kentucky Draft Horse and Mule Association, is a qualifier to compete in the USA Plowing Contest, held at Carriage Hill MetroPark Farm, a living 1880s historical farm in Dayton, Ohio, on Labor Day weekend.

For more information or to register to compete in the Kentucky State Horse Pulling Contest, contact association President Mike Downs at (606) 768-3330, Vice President Charles Orme at (859) 498-2383, or Secretary Jeff Becker at (859) 289-7406.