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.

Tim Bielenberg with Shires, Spike and Major.

Derek Noel of Albany, OR with his Clydesdales.

Larry & Tim prove that when it comes to plows you often talk with your feet.

Jerry Lee with trio of Hackneys on walking plow.

LaDene Scott and Jonathon Jude heading back to the trailers side by side.

Delani Hedley, Bart, 26 and Bonnie, 15, on 10” JD plow, Delani is 15 year old granddaughter of mule owner Neal McCool.

Susanne Burkhart in foreground, Jeff Lee heading in other direction.

Jeff Lee of Boring, OR.

Mike McIntosh on Two way Sulky plow with his Belgians, Brock and Bruiser.

Linda Claypool and her mules from Yamhill, OR.

Jeb Michaelson of Texas driving VanDyke Shires.

Wayne Beckwith and his mules, Fahta and Kerala.

Duwayne VanDyke and his Shire team.

At the conclusion all teams joined in a plowing parade, turning the headlands over.

Brent Lee’s Belgians, Jimmy and Lucky.

Jacob McIntosh with Major, 4 and Hudson, 5, his new Percheron team.

LaDene Scott with her team.

Wayne Beckwith in prime form.