Ingenious Implements: Horse-Operated Farm Machinery Going Strong

By Sam Moore
Published on October 26, 2009
1 / 6
Two young ladies set pepper plants during this demonstration of a transplanter made by Nolt’s Produce Supplies, Leola, Pa. The transplanter is pulled by a team of Belgians on a standard forecart made by E-Z Trail Mfg., Fredericksburg, Ohio.
Two young ladies set pepper plants during this demonstration of a transplanter made by Nolt’s Produce Supplies, Leola, Pa. The transplanter is pulled by a team of Belgians on a standard forecart made by E-Z Trail Mfg., Fredericksburg, Ohio.
2 / 6
An International No. 80 combine at work in a wheat field. PTO power is furnished by a 58 hp diesel forecart made by Knepp’s Power Units, Montgomery, Ind., and pulled by four Norwegian Fiord horses owned and driven by Rich Hotovy, Jones, Mich.
An International No. 80 combine at work in a wheat field. PTO power is furnished by a 58 hp diesel forecart made by Knepp’s Power Units, Montgomery, Ind., and pulled by four Norwegian Fiord horses owned and driven by Rich Hotovy, Jones, Mich.
3 / 6
A New Holland BR740 round baler is operated by a Pioneer 100 hp diesel forecart behind four Belgians.
A New Holland BR740 round baler is operated by a Pioneer 100 hp diesel forecart behind four Belgians.
4 / 6
A White Horse Machine hydraulic forecart, 3-point trailer, and 2-bottom plow in action behind a team of seven Belgian horses. The team is hitched with four on the plow and three out in front using a rope-and-pulley hitch.
A White Horse Machine hydraulic forecart, 3-point trailer, and 2-bottom plow in action behind a team of seven Belgian horses. The team is hitched with four on the plow and three out in front using a rope-and-pulley hitch.
5 / 6
Four Belgian horses pull the I&J heavy-duty ground-driven forecart as it powers a 7-foot New Holland Haybine through standing hay.
Four Belgian horses pull the I&J heavy-duty ground-driven forecart as it powers a 7-foot New Holland Haybine through standing hay.
6 / 6
Something for everyone! A span of Milking Shorthorn oxen named Marco and Polo (owned by Tillers International, Scott, Mich.) amble through the hayfield pulling a Pioneer standard forecart and a New Holland side-delivery rake. The nigh ox is munching on a wisp of hay he’s snatched from the swath in passing.
Something for everyone! A span of Milking Shorthorn oxen named Marco and Polo (owned by Tillers International, Scott, Mich.) amble through the hayfield pulling a Pioneer standard forecart and a New Holland side-delivery rake. The nigh ox is munching on a wisp of hay he’s snatched from the swath in passing.

Last July 4th weekend, I attended the 16th edition of Horse Progress Days (HPD) in Odon, Ind.

The annual two-day event demonstrates the latest innovations in horse-operated farm machinery, as well as showcases other horse-related products. I’ve been at every HPD (except the first two) primarily because of my fascination with the machinery.

The show is rotated among six major Amish communities: east of Lancaster, Pa.; Holmes County, Ohio; near Clare, Mich.; Arcola, Ill.; Daviess County in southern Indiana; and LaGrange County in northern Indiana. Since these are the major draft horse-using areas (tractors are not commonly used for field work by the Amish because of their religious beliefs), it follows that most spectators would be Amish. While that’s true, many, many non-Amish attend the events, including some from overseas.

By 1950, because of the proliferation of tractors on American farms, the demand for horse implements had virtually dried up, causing farm implement manufacturers to stop making the stuff. This left the remaining horse farmers to get along with existing machines that became increasingly worn out with the passing years, as well as obsolete due to changing farming practices.

Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388