71st International Plowing Match

This match is held annually in Berthusen Park just west of where we live. It is always well attended both by contestants and spectators and features teams of draft horses, most of them beautifully gotten up for the event. There are different classes for men, women and younger folk, for both walking and riding plows and even for mules or smaller horses. Prizes are given for the straightest furrow and other matters that involve actual plowing, but also for the best dressed plow person and best show harness. The horses are the main attraction, though, and are usually matched pairs with beautifully decorated harnesses. It always appears to me that the horses enjoy the event as much or more than the people - they seem proud of their appearance and eager to get on with the plowing, but perhaps that is only my imagination.

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