Pioneer Days Parade and Log Skidding

Today was the 27th Pioneer Days. There were lots of teams that entered the parade and logging contest this year, so it was a great competition. Here is Kyle, my hubby, and our horse King pulling a log through the course. They came in 3rd in single horse pull and 1st in team. Great job everybody!!!
The pic on the right is of our team, with two teenagers at the wheel. No fear, the horses know more than they let on. They let the boys THINK they are in control. LOL!!!!!!!!!


Here is my brother in law with his horse, Cody. He did really well, was very calm and enjoyed the work. Two years ago, they went through the parade on a tractor tire, seeing as how they didn't have a wagon yet. Last year, they finally showed up with a wagon.



The rest of the pics are from the parade. Hope you enjoy them. I was told that the whole day is going to be in next February's Wisconsin Agricultural Magazine, and we were even interviewed. How very exciting. Hope it's true.



Well, first you gotta have the flag bearer. This is Larry and his horse heading up the parade. I had to holler at him to stop for this pic, and as you can see from the waving flag, it's windy. Next was a great team of blacks. My guess is Percherons, but I didn't ask. The fellas in the driver's seat look a lot like twins, but I didn't ask about that either. Everyone was dressed to beat the cold winter wind, whether it was chaps, dusters or coveralls. Anything goes in this cold, cold Wisconsin weather.



Here are two nice teams, small and medium! Those little horses really had to trot to keep up with the pace of the other units. Didn't seem to bother them much, however, and the little uphill grade just seemed like another day in the park. I love the contrast to the drivers in both pictures, don't you?
I'm almost sure the little ones would fit right underneath those others!




Here is Danny, driving a team of
dapple grey Percherons. They are a
beautiful team, and work hard at home hauling manure on a daily basis. Their owner is off on a trip to New Mexice, so Danny got to bring them in and show them off. I got pics of them coming and going!




Here is our friend, Barry, driving his BLIND horse. Yes, I did say blind. This old girl is a wonder to see. Very trusting, since she has to rely on voice commands without seeing what is up ahead. She was so smart and never faltered once. Barry is a strange guy, and you would have to ask why the blind horse? Well, thats just Barry!


Next, was a funny little team of burro's. They didn't bray in the parade, but we did get a few ear-splitters when we were all harnessing up. And what was in their wagon? Dalmations, of course. Don't rightly know the connection, but the dogs were at home in the wagon and even licking their chops (back dog).









Here is another picture of our team, King and Holly. Holly is on the right. King likes to be fancy and proud and attentive. Holly usually is just along to hold up her side of the pole! There ain't much get up and go in that old horse anymore. We had to start snapping her with the line now and then just to be sure she was still awake as we went along the way. Yeah, I guess there is always the outlook of retirement. Old Holly has had as many as 6 kids on her at once without complaint. She is a good sport and puts up with King like no other.






Well, that brings us to "the end" and I even have a picture for that. Hope you had fun viewing all these crazy pictures. I have to admit, cold as it was, it was a day of pure heaven for the horses and the nutty owners that love to just Horse Around!