DEPARTMENT 1
​SECTION 11 – HORSE PULLING CONTEST
Wednesday – 11:00 AM

Rules Governing Horse Pulling Contest:
  1. See health rules for Department 1.
  2. This contest is limited to two classes.  The Lightweight Class is to consist of teams weighing not over 3300 pounds.  The Heavyweight Class is to consist of teams weighing more than 3300 pounds.
  3. All teams will be weighed between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 am.
  4. All Lightweight Teams are to be weighed at a designated place with an official present.
  5. No changing of drivers or bridles during contest.
  6. In case of a break-down (actual separation of equipment, not unhooking of chains or straps) the team will go to the end of the line-up.
  7. Competition is open to anyone.
  8. Ropes or lines to pull between will be determined by judges.  Standard distance is 18 feet.
  9. Measured distance to determine positions at the end of the contest.  In case of a tie the next longest distance will determine finishing position. 
  10. Any contestant finishing in the top 4 places must take 1 hook to receive prize money, trophies, or ribbons.
  11. Any contestant receiving prize money must draw off all positions (at least on hitch) or forfeit prize money and trophies unless they notify the judge and the announcer so that an announcement can be made in advance of the contest.
  12. Tow Hookers plus a man to drive the team in, will be allowed (limit 4).  All helpers are to stay behind eventers and remain silent once team is hooked.  Helpers cannot ride or touch machine.  All others are to remain out of the immediate pulling area or behind boundary lines if this applies.
  13. If a helper goes to the teams head, the team must unhook and circle before re-hooking.
  14. If a horse steps on or over lines, the pull will be disqualified. 
  15. The driver is compelled to ride and stay seated during the pull.
  16. Each team has three chances to qualify each load.
  17. Any team arriving late can hook to the existing load providing there are no teams eliminated.
  18. A contestant has three passes, not to exceed three minutes, to get hooked on from the time he is called to hook.
  19. From the time the distance is measured and the stake is moved up, one minute will be allowed between 1st and 2nd pulls, otherwise contestant forfeits 2nd pull.  (Teams may unhook within the time limit.)
  20. Teams pulling in the Heavyweight contest must have at least one horse that hasn’t pulled in the previous contest.
  21. There will be no line slapping or helpers touching horses during the contest.  THIS RULE WILL BE ENFORCED.  CONTESTANTS WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM CONTEST WITHOUT WARNING.
  22. If during a contest a team runs away free from the driver and helpers, they are excluded from this hitch and any further hitches.  They will receive prize any money won up to this point.
  23. The contest is over when the finishing positions have been announced.
  24. Behavior of all horsemen, drivers, and helpers alike is to be above reproach at all times or disciplinary action by the judges will be taken.  Anyone disputing the decision of the judges will be immediately disqualified.
  25. All participants will abide by the regulations of the PENNSYLVANIA DRUG LAW.  Refusal to be tested is admitting guilt and subjects entry to all penalties of the law.
  26. Improvement in DRESS CODE for both the teams and the participants is suggested for a more appealing spectator image.
                                     Class 1               Class 2
       Premium List     Lightweight       Heavyweight
               1st                       $300                $300
               2nd                      $250                  $250
                3rd                     $225                  $225 
               4th                       $190                  $190
               5th                       $155                  $155
               6th                       $135                  $135
               7th                       $125                  $125
               8th                       $110                  $110
               9th                       $100                  $100
              10th                       $90                    $90