2024 Union Fair Pulling Schedule

Sunday, July 7
Monday, July 8
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
8:00 a.m. Farmers Steer and Oxen - 6 foot pull - Scales open
9:30 a.m. Farmers Steer and Oxen - 6 foot pull (Location TBD)

Click here for a map of the fairgrounds.

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