
Oregon Draft Horse & Mule Breeders Association 50th Anniversary Plowing Match
Oregon Draft Horse and Mule Breeders Association
Fiftieth Anniversary Plowing Match
by Lynn R. Miller of Singing Horse Ranch
photos by Kristi Gilman-Miller of Singing Horse Ranch
We Millers were invited to attend the Fiftieth Anniversary Oregon Draft Horse and Mule Breeders plowing match at the Yamhill County Heritage Center in McMinnville. I was one of the judges (along with Michael Webster). Kristi took photos, some of which you see on these pages. It was a splendid day, perfect weather and a well organized event with lots of spectators. The Heritage Center is new and very exciting with an ambitious museum collection, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop and exhibition halls. The plow match was held in conjunction with a Farm Fest. (Busy as I was keeping score of 27 contestants, I am sure I missed some outstanding displays and doings.) In conversation at the SFJ office I was telling the staff that there are well over 400 such events scattered over the U.S., some feature steam power, some are living history displays, some threshing bees, and such. I’ve said it before: agricultural events, celebrations, and get-togethers such as these are vital to keep not only our farming heritage in view but to rekindle (and ignite for the first time) important relationships. Ours is a culture which is centered on ways of working and ways of working together.

Gean Courtney of La Center, WA with his Quarter Horse/Percheron cross blue roan team, Diesel and Tinkerbell, on a 14” JD plow. Also in the picture are judge Michael Webster and contest scribe Allison.

Don Lee with Mike and Pete, Percherons, on 14” Oliver plow. Don also uses this team for pulling matches.