FAIRLEA- For many years, the Draft Horse Pull has been one of the signature attractions at the State Fair of West Virginia, drawing thousands of spectators to the grandstand each year for a showcase of strength, teamwork and agricultural tradition. Scheduled for the Friday morning of fair week at 9:00 AM, the event has become a must-see for many visitors, with some fairgoers planning their annual trip around the pull.
While concerts and carnival rides bring excitement to the fairgrounds each year, the Draft Horse Pull is still a reminder of the fair’s deep agricultural roots and the important role working horses once played on farms throughout Appalachia.
The competition features teams of massive draft horses—often Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales—working together to pull increasingly heavy weighted sleds down the track. Long before tractors became commonplace, these powerful horses were the backbone of American agriculture, hauling logs, plowing fields and performing countless other farm tasks. Today, the pull celebrates that heritage while giving audiences an opportunity to witness the incredible power, training, and partnership between horse and driver.
Ask longtime attendees what they enjoy most, and the answer is often the same: the experience. As the horses lean into their harnesses and the chains tighten, the grandstand grows quiet before erupting into cheers with each successful pull.
Many visitors, who mostly sit down low close to the track, also say they enjoy feeling the ground shake beneath the weight of the teams as they make their way down the track. For families, it’s a tradition passed from one generation to the next, with parents and grandparents introducing young fairgoers to one of the oldest and most beloved events at the State Fair.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or seeing it for the first time, the Draft Horse Pull offers a unique glimpse into West Virginia’s agricultural heritage. It’s a competition built on strength and trust between the horses and their handlers, and one that continues to capture the attention of thousands of spectators every August.
In an ever-changing world that favors modern technology and youth entertainment, the Draft Horse Pull remains one of the State Fair’s most enduring and cherished traditions.
