Pony pulling has been a popular rural competition in Central and Western
Kentucky for over fifty-five years. At the height of pulling popularity as many as 125 teams would compete in small town festivals, starting on one day, continuing through the night and into the next day. Members of the first clubs traveled to at least 15 different states to compete. Through the years, several different clubs in different areas of the state have organized and dissolved. Sportsman’s Pony Pulling Association, Inc. is the only active club operating in Kentucky currently. Yearly membership is approximately 150, with members from 5 or 6 states. Three of our active senior pullers have over 125 years of pulling experience collectively. Once the art of pulling gets in your blood, it seems difficult to quit. One of our pulling families has four generations actively participating. Pullers spend a lot of time daily with their teams. They must have a love for the competition to find enough time to devote to preparing the ponies for competition.
There are several types of pony pulling scattered across the United States. Ours is based on the weight of the pair of ponies, while some are based on the height of the ponies. Pairs range in weight from 300 to 1200 pounds and are usually divided into light, middle, and heavy weight classes. A good pair of ponies on fair ground can pull four to five times their own weight, a much higher percentage than draft horses or mules.
The club sponsors approximately thirty pulling per year, including at least ten of those at fairs and festivals. Some of these extend over into surrounding states, as well. The season usually starts in March and ends in October. The club sponsors at least 4 to 5 kid’s pulls per season, and these serves as a teaching tool for the next generation of pullers. We also coordinate our schedule with clubs from different states to provide several dates throughout the season for collective pulling. Once per season we have a benefit pull for someone we feel deserving. We always have unbelievable participation. Our pullers not only have a love for the art of pony pulling but also for their fellowman.
ABOUT US ARTICLE
MARCH 1, 2013
NANCY G. DAUGHERTY
SECRETARTY-TREASURER
SPORTSMAN’S PONY PULLING ASSOCIATION, INC.
Kentucky for over fifty-five years. At the height of pulling popularity as many as 125 teams would compete in small town festivals, starting on one day, continuing through the night and into the next day. Members of the first clubs traveled to at least 15 different states to compete. Through the years, several different clubs in different areas of the state have organized and dissolved. Sportsman’s Pony Pulling Association, Inc. is the only active club operating in Kentucky currently. Yearly membership is approximately 150, with members from 5 or 6 states. Three of our active senior pullers have over 125 years of pulling experience collectively. Once the art of pulling gets in your blood, it seems difficult to quit. One of our pulling families has four generations actively participating. Pullers spend a lot of time daily with their teams. They must have a love for the competition to find enough time to devote to preparing the ponies for competition.
There are several types of pony pulling scattered across the United States. Ours is based on the weight of the pair of ponies, while some are based on the height of the ponies. Pairs range in weight from 300 to 1200 pounds and are usually divided into light, middle, and heavy weight classes. A good pair of ponies on fair ground can pull four to five times their own weight, a much higher percentage than draft horses or mules.
The club sponsors approximately thirty pulling per year, including at least ten of those at fairs and festivals. Some of these extend over into surrounding states, as well. The season usually starts in March and ends in October. The club sponsors at least 4 to 5 kid’s pulls per season, and these serves as a teaching tool for the next generation of pullers. We also coordinate our schedule with clubs from different states to provide several dates throughout the season for collective pulling. Once per season we have a benefit pull for someone we feel deserving. We always have unbelievable participation. Our pullers not only have a love for the art of pony pulling but also for their fellowman.
ABOUT US ARTICLE
MARCH 1, 2013
NANCY G. DAUGHERTY
SECRETARTY-TREASURER
SPORTSMAN’S PONY PULLING ASSOCIATION, INC.