Livestock Pulling

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2024 Union Fair Pulling Schedule

Sunday, July 7
9:30 a.m. Oxen Pulling-Boys & Girls age 16 & under, 1250 lbs.& under, 1650 lbs., & under, 2050 lbs. & under (19)
1:00 p.m. Oxen Pulling-2450 lbs. & under, 2850 lbs. & under, Ladies Class, 1650 lbs. & over (19)
5:00 p.m. Oxen Pulling-3250 lbs. & under featuring Nathan Hine Memorial, 2050 lbs. & under:6-foot elimination-EXHIBITION ONLY-NO PREMIUMS (19)

Monday, July 8
9:30 a.m. Oxen Pulling-2450 lbs. & under-6-foot elimination, 2850 lbs. & under-6-foot elimination (19)
1:00 p.m. Oxen Puling-4050 lbs. & under percentage, Sweepstakes distance (19)
4:00 p.m. Oxen Pulling-3250 lbs. & under-6-foot elimination, 3251 lbs. & over-6-foot elimination (19)

Tuesday, July 9
10:30 a.m. Horse Pulling-3100 lbs. & under 2 lb. rock (19) 
1:00 p.m. Horse Pulling-3200 lbs. & under, 3400 lbs. & under 2 lb. rock, 12-foot elimination 3300 lbs. & under (19)

Wednesday, July 10
8:00 a.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen 6-foot pull scales open (19)
9:30 a.m. Farmers’ Steer & Oxen 6-foot pull (Track)
10:30 a.m. Horse Pulling-12-foot elimination Sweepstakes (19)
2:00 p.m. Horse Pulling-Sweepstakes Distance featuring Myron Dickey Memorial (19) 

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About Livestock Pulling

Pulling originated when farmers would challenge one another to see whose team could pull the most weight. Farmers would train their oxen or horses to work the land, haul building materials, goods or people from location to location. Over the years pulling has turned into a organized sport, where the animals are generally no longer used for farm work, but instead exercised regularly to keep them strong and in shape.

In Pulling there are several different classes in which a team can enter. The class and weight of drag are determined by the weight of the livestock. There are two different types of pulling, short distance elimination pulls, and distance pulls.

In distance pulls, each team is given one pull in a set time frame. They are measured by how many feet they can pull the weighted drag in the time provided. The team that pulls the furthest is the winning team.

Elimination pulls (6ft oxen, or 12ft horses) start the drag at a base weight that is determined by the average weight of the teams entered in that class. The team then pulls the drag the required footage in the time provided.

Each team has the option to hook up twice, this will provide the team a second chance to compete in case of incompletion or stepping out of bounds. After each team has completed a level, more weight is added to the drag. If a team is not able to complete a level they are eliminated, this process is continued until we only have one winning team left.

This is truly an event for all participants! We have had a 4 year old that pulled in our ring with a young team of oxen pulling a tractor tire. We also have powder puff classes for woman only. It is truly amazing to see what these animals and teamsters can do in the ring. We also have a wonderful staff that is willing to answer any questions you may have before or after the pulling event.

Contact Pulling Department: Otto Hunt, Matt Gerrish & Nate Littlefield Pulling@unionfair.org