Welcome to HorsePullResults.com, the largest selection of Horse Pulling Results on the Internet. Copyright 2022 Horse Racing Sense. Over a smooth surface, such as a road, arena, or flat pasture, is where a horse is capable of pulling up to three times its weight with a wheeled vehicle. Make sure to get your horse shoes that have slip protection; they will provide the grip needed when pulling large, heavy loads. Known for their stunning chestnut and roan coats, these giants are descended from medieval war horses. I have bought, sold, and broke racehorse yearlings. The Dutch draft horse has a short, heavy-muscled neck. All that muscle and bone on a Belgian Draft is not only for showing purposes. This mighty and powerful draft breed stands between 16.2 and 17 hands and can weigh up to 3000 pounds. Called a roan, its where there are white hairs between the principal color of the coat. On average, a draft horse can pull a load as heavy as 8,000 pounds. When the loads increase in weight, however, the boat is reset at the end of the runway after each draw and teams will all pull in the same direction (this rule may change from location to location.) Teams are hitched (called hooked) to either a boat or a dynamometer. They are known for their arched necks, powerful hindquarters, sturdy builds, and well-muscled body. 3 hands (63 inches, 160 cm), though in recent years it has become common to buy Friesians that are taller, up to 17hh (68 inches/173 cm), particularly for use in shows. A newborn foal already weighs around 125 pounds (56.7 kg), while a fully grown adult weighs over 2,000 pounds (900 kg) on average. Bashkir, a draft horse that has a curly coat is the only hypoallergenic horse of all the horse breeds. An average Belgian can pull up to 8,000 pounds (3628.7 kg) of load, which is over twice their weight. Which horse holds the official pulling record in the world? And people think they cant pull carriages that weigh 2,000 to 3,000 pounds. Its strong bones and heavy muscling make the breed ideal for pulling plows, towing barges and transporting heavy goods. The competition begins with the boat typically loaded with 1500 pounds, a comfortable weight to get the battle started. Lost your password? Secretary/Treasurer: Don Davis Lansing, Michigan (517) 881-2063, Directors: These drugs can cause long term health problems for the competitors and should be forbidden. The minimum size for a registered Shire stallion is sixteen and a half hands. Discover and find out more information by checking out our horse breed guides. Heavier horses from northern Europe were brought to England in the 15th and 16th centuries and bred with smaller English horses in order to produce an animal strong enough to handle carrying a knight in a full suit of armor. We earn from qualifying purchases. Vice President: Jack VanVoorst Ceresco, Michigan (219) 204-2888 Example: A 1,000-pound mule can pull a 1,000-pound load 20 to 25 miles per day for a five-day work week. With stocky bodies, short legs, and thick muscles, they are one of the strongest breeds of horses. When it comes to a dead weight, such as a plow or log, a horse can pull 10% of its body weight over an eight-hour workday. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Standing at 20hh, 2 inches tall, Big Jake has held this record since 2010. National Archives and Records Division via Wikimedia, Car with a busted engine? We are passionate about horses and we want to share everything we learn. If youre the kind of person who needs a little visual proof before youll accept the facts, weve rounded up some photos and a video of draft horses in action. Stress can amplify this problem, so much patience is required when handling horses who have shivers. Two draft horses, which can each pull 8,000 pounds alone, can pull 24,000 pounds working together! According to the FEI, selective breeding of the Belgian Draft Horse began in the 17th century. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_20',640,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');These beautiful horses come in several colors. As such, two horses with the ability to haul 16, 000 lbs. Its also important to keep up with their exercise, even if they are reluctant. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The team is then line-driven to the boatat this stage in the contest, these big boys are getting pretty hot because they know theyre going to have to put their heart and soul into the load. Michigan Agricultural College (now M.S.U.) The average draft horse weighs between 1,400 and 2,700 pounds. We all know horses are powerful animals, capable of pulling heavy loads. The hooves are of medium size despite the largeness of the breed. These amazingly strong animals can pull 8,000 pounds. Their weight can range from 1,800 to 2,400 pounds (800 to 1,100 kilograms), with mares usually lighter than stallions. The Dutch draft horse weighs between 1,700 and 2,200 pounds. The last Belgian Drafts left Europe with Erwin F. Dygert, after which imports were completely cut off. At the same time, farmers were looking for a smaller, more economical horse to work the fields. If the team cant complete the pull on this attempt, they are out of the competition, and their furthest pull on that weight is their final placing. They can also labor 8 to 10 hours a day without growing tired. On November 1, 1940, in Plainwell, Michigan 186 people came together to form what is known today as the Michigan Dynamometer Association. Their back is short and their shoulders are more upright, which makes their shape and movement well-suited for pulling. The earlier breeds of Belgians were almost always chestnut or sorrel. What types of horses compete in pulling competitions? Word of the Clydesdales strength and stamina quickly spread across Europe, and the breed flourished. Dutch Draft Now considered one of the rarest horse breeds in the world, the Dutch Draft Horse remains one of the biggest horse breeds known to man. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The horses compete by size, and all are required to pull a load at a minimum distance. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If no one team is able to perform a full pull on a weight, the winner is the team that has pulled the load the furthest. You may see a team unhook from a sled and then later hooked back to the same weighted load and try the pull again. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Whereas a small horse with a refined build, such as an Arabian, wont have the same strength as a much larger, stockier horse. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It will depend on how much the load weighs, how long the trip is, how smooth or rough the surface on which the wheels are moving is, and how old and healthy the animal is. NOTICE: If you were a member of the website and you didnt get the email of how to access the new results pagesplease let us know by filling out the form on the contact page. Two draft horses pulling together cannot pull twice as much as one; they can actually pull three times as much! In some competitions, instead of using a loaded sled, adynamometeris used for weight resistance. Its quarters are quite substantial, with an abundance of muscles over the croup. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland via Wikimedia, Street tram? When Horses Pin Their Ears Back, What Are They Signaling? Its tall and massive stature makes it one of the strongest breeds of the world widely used for work also gaining immense popularity as riding and show horses. The Clydesdales originated in Scotland when local mares were bred to imported Flemish stallions. The average Belgian draft horse size ranges between 1,800 to 2,000 pounds, though some stallions can weigh. Here are ten fascinating facts about the Belgian Draft Horse! If a horse is properly conditioned, pulling a heavy load is not harmful to them. It is thought to be related to EPSM, as muscle damage can occur with exercise. Diagnosis is made through blood work, genetic testing, and muscle biopsy. Lets first consider a horse pulling dead weight. With that being said, there is no need for fancy concentrate feeds to keep them in good condition; a forage-only diet will suffice. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Draft horses pull a Dynamometer, a heavy sled that is calibrated to exert a load equal to pulling the equivalent of a 16-bottom plow at a depth of 6 inches, Hatfield said. A horse can generally pull up to 2-3 times its weight when out for a pleasure drive. Submitted This pair of Belgian draft horses work together as a team. Luckily, the price of draft horses began to increase towards the end of the century, and so the breed recovered. In 2012, a pair of Belgian draft horses broke the world-famous Calgary Stampedes Heavy Horse Pull record by pulling a deadweight of 13,400 pounds. (9 Facts About Baby Horse), How Much Does a Horse Weigh? Shire horse The Shire, a breed of draft horse from England, is among the tallest, largest, heaviest and strongest breeds in the world, with stallions usually measuring around 17.2 hands (178cm, 70in) at the withers. Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is a 501c(3) Equine Welfare Organization committed to saving draft and draft cross horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. With their sturdy build, deep-set chest, and hardy legs, they are known to haul impressive loads. Over time, chestnut became the sole desirable color in the breed. Other sources we found recorded that they pulled only 45 tons. That's 66 inches at the withers just above the front shoulder. During the Middle Ages, the Belgian was referred to as a Flanders Horse after the region of Belgium that it came from. Each horse was measured for length, girth, and height with no horse being allowed in the lightweight class over 16 hands (64) high. Sand Lake, MI 49343. As we mention in our biggest horse breeds guide, their versatility has made them popular work and carriage horses. But given that there are different types of draft horses, all with different weights and heights, it would be wrong to assume that all drafts will pull the same amount of weight. Contestants who fail to pull the load are considered out of the competition, but driverscalled teamsterscan also choose to pull their team if they feel the weight is more than they can handle or that their horses have had enough for the day. How many tries do they get to pull a load? Where Do Horses Originate From? Come out to the Houston County Fair at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, at the horse arena and ask the owner if you can visit with them. Belgian Draft Horses are giants in the equestrian world. If the weight is in a wheeled cart, the horse can pull 1.5 times its body weight over long distances. You would assume if one horse is capable of pulling 6,000 pounds, then an equal pair is able to pull 12,000 pounds. When the load is placed on a cart or wagon, the animal is able to pull it a lot easier because there is less friction between the wheels and the surface underneath. The horses -- weighing a combined. can actually be able to pull up to 20, 000 lbs. The symptoms of this affliction are weakness, especially after working, reluctance to work or exercise, and intense sweating with exercise. It is plain to see that Belgian Drafts resemble the mighty destriers of the Middle Ages. History of the Michigan Dynamometer Association Inc. While the average life span of a horse is between twenty-five and thirty years, the same can not be said for the Belgian. The type of terrain a horse is on will impact their workload. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. How many chances does a team get on a load? The interesting fact is that when two horses pull a load together, they don't just pull 16,000 pounds combined. Another memorable demonstration of the Belgians power happened at the Iowa State fair pulling contest. The breed originated in the lowlands of eastern England, mainly in Lincolnshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Cambridgeshire. Each team entered in the contest is hitched to the load, and they pull it for a short distance. Their personality is ideal for farm work or carriage work in the city. If you are riding over a long distance of about one hour or so, the reasonable high speed of the horse will be about fourteen mph. The appointing authority fills a vacancy for a full 2-year term and may remove a commission member for cause, which includes poor attendance. Draft horses and draft crossbreds are versatile breeds used today for a multitude of purposes, including farming, show, logging, recreation, and other uses. These horses originate from the Brabant region of central Belgium. Welcome to horsepullresults.com. Draft horses are known for their power and strength, and for many years, humans have relied on them to pull wagons, farming equipment, military supplies, and other heavy loads. DEERFIELD, N.H. -- Two hefty Belgian work horses owned by a Maine lumberman broke the world's horse-pulling record at the 105-year-old Deerfield Fair. Sadly there is no cure for EPSM, but through a modified diet, many horses can do alright. Here is a video of a strong horse pulling a car out of a ditch: Draft horses such as the Belgian, Percheron, and the Shire are considered the strongest breeds. You bet! Clydesdales horses are powerful. The world record in draft horse competition is 22,000 pounds. These records have awed people and shown the amazing capabilities horses have. A photograph from 1940 shows draft horses hauling a massive load of logs. This beautiful horse will be well worth your money in the amount of work and companionship it can offer. Their expression is one of intelligence and keen awareness. A large horse, such as a Belgian, that has broad shoulders and strong legs is bred for pulling heavy loads. Looking at the posture of the horses, you can tell that the animals are clearly exhausted and almost being maxed out because they have been pushed to their limits. Over a road, arena, or other smooth surfaces, your draft can be able to haul up to four times its body weight, pulling a cart or wagon. Draft breeds may be referred to as "cold blooded." This term simply references their temperamentcalm, quiet, and gentle giants. The load was pulled 66 inches over dry clay by a pair of Belgiums . Some of the horses had never been used in a big . A team of two Clydesdales is capable of pulling 18,000 lbs. But for the most part, a draft horse will work best at a speed of about five mph, and this pace will depend a lot on the breed of the horse and the weight of the load. Horses will typically need to work harder when pulling a load ten to fifteen times their bodyweight. There are many breeds of horses that are categorized as draft horses. Horse owners that compete in these pulls have a bond with their horses and typically love their animals like members of their family. Included in our biggest horses ever list, a Belgian Draft called Brooklyn Supreme stood at a massive 19.2 hands tall and weighed a whopping 3,200 pounds (1,451.5 kg). No problem! Some horses are injected with performance-enhancing chemicals prior to competitions. A Clydesdale can pull 2,000 pounds at a walk, which is an essential benchmark for draft breeds. Our readers support us. A horse can usually pull 1/10 of its body weight in dead weight. For some horses, shoes with slip protection and studs help them with traction while hauling large loads. Pairing horses actually improves their load capability. Generally, competitive pulling teams are not used for farm work but trained and fed exclusively for competitions. Also, make sure the horse is taking breaks to feed and drink water. They are also sweet-tempered and have a natural willingness to learn, making them well-suited to a wide range of pursuits. Chip and Charlie, a pair of Belgian draft horses, beat nine other teams Tuesday to take the title and the $500 prize. Born in 2001, the horse matured at 20.234 hands (210 cm), making him one of the largest horses in history. But do you know how much weight these massive horses can pull? Sustainable Farmers See Promise in New Financing Options, 7 Smokable Plants You Can Grow That Arent Marijuana, Meet the Modern Graziers Who Broke Into Regenerative Agriculture, No Farmland Required. These docile horses are renowned for their strength, as they have broken many pulling records. If you are traveling a long distance, it would be best to give the horse a load that doesnt exceed its weight; even though the horse is pulling a wheeled load. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Pu-lease! There are a number of different breeds, with varying characteristics but all share common traits of strength, patience and a docile temperament which made them indispensable to generations of pre-industrial farmers. Here are the most common: The amount of weight pulled by a horse in both instances will be different. Similar to other draft horse breeds, the mechanization of agriculture and transport took a toll on the Belgian Draft. I call that the 1:1 Rule (1,000-pound animal : 1,000-pound load = 1:1) Especially horses, Ive been around them most of my life but I am always learning more and enjoy sharing with others. The Michigan Dynamometer Association Inc. traces its origin back to the development of the dynamometer by Iowa State College. This is how much a draft horse has to work when pulling a dead weight. Teams from al over the Midwest, New England and Canada have at one time or another come to Michigan to try their luck at outdoing the Michigan pullers. Most animals that compete in pulling games are treated with care. He also lived to the age of 20 and died in 1948. and even fully trained Belgian Drafts are in the under $10,000 category. horseracingsense.com. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The calorie content of their diet will depend on the amount of activity that is asked of them.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-3','ezslot_18',636,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-leader-3-0'); A draft horse that works at a slow walk will not need as much food as those working at a trot. Belgian Draft Horses remain one of the most powerful breeds of working horses. Are Horses Native to America? Either way, thats a lot of weight. Morgans, Hackneys, Arabians, Dutch Harness Horses, Welsh Ponies and even Miniature Horses are among the many breeds that make wonderful carriage driving horses. Learn More. (Top & Average Speed), How Far Can a Horse Travel In a Day? Draft horses are tall, with heavy bones and plenty of muscle. The horses compete by size, and all are required . Belgians hold most of the world pulling records. While most draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden and some of the lighter draft breeds are capable performers under saddle. was one of the such schools. How the pull works: Essentially, a draft pull is a contest to see who has the strongest team of pulling horses-teams typically compete in rounds following a draw order and weight is added at the end of each round. You will see beautiful colors such as bay roan, blue roan, and red roan. They often have broad shoulders, large hindquarters, and short backs, making them capable of pulling very heavy loads. There were some pulls that we repeatedly tried to get results without success, but have high hopes for obtaining those in 2022. As the 2022 season begins it is with the goal to post even more results and pulls than in 2021. They are also happy to live out all year round, regardless of weather. A dynamometer is a machine specifically designed to test the maximum pulling power of a team of horses. Learn More. Belgium and Clydesdale Heavy Draft Horse Pull - the work horses.\r\rA draft horse (US), draught horse (UK) or dray horse (from the Anglo-Saxon dragan meaning to draw or haul; compare Dutch dragen meaning to carry), less often called a heavy horse, is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour. most powerful of all the draft horse breeds. In Wabash, Indiana, in the year 1887, the American Association of Importers and Breeders of Belgian Draft Horses was founded.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',632,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Today, the Belgian is the most popular of all the draft horse breeds in the United States. Florida Draft Horse Association and Pulling Information The obvious answer would seem to be 16,000 pounds or twice the weight one can drag behind him. The record was set in 2012 by Jesse and Sam, teamstered by Dennis Weinberger of Cochrane, Alta. How Fast Can a Draft Horse Pull a Wheeled Load? While Belgians are still used for forestry and farm work today, they have become popular in various equestrian disciplines. A compact body and short, wide legs give this horse its authoritative appearance. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. According to author Donna Campbell Smith, The Book of Draft Horses: The Gentle Giants That Built the World, in 1924 a pair of Shire draft horses pulled 50 tons (100,000 pounds), which is 20,000 pounds more than the weight of a semi truck. Copyright 2022document.write(newDate().getFullYear()) Horse Pull Results. Eastern Ontario Draft Horse Pulling Assn. One of the first character directors, Lloyd Bacon, recalls some of the early years as being exciting moments of pulling history. If the cart is too heavy, avoid pushing the animal to walk or run too fast. Lets assume a single horse can pull up to 8, 000 lbs. You know its going to be a good contest when the tractor starts having problems pulling the boat! The Largest selection of Horsepulling results on the Internet. Heavy drafts weigh 1, 700lbs. (9 Uses). between 2,000 and 8,000 pounds On the other hand, they appreciated the breeds work ethic, docile temperament, and economical upkeep. Horses with the ability to pull heavy loads for sustained periods were coveted. These work horses are the typical heavy horse breed and weigh around 2000 pounds. It is also important to regularly exercise the horse so it can stay physically fit and be able to undertake heavy tasks more easily. Tecovas rarely discounts products, but when they do, it's a great time to buy. 1971 St. Joseph Fair Harold Gilbert, Shelbina, MO, B. Lightweight team under 3,200 lbs. Pulling teams snoozing in the shade between rounds. The Belgian has influenced other breeds of draft horses, such as the Clydesdale, The Shire, and the Suffolk Punch.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-box-4','ezslot_9',630,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-box-4-0'); Over the centuries, the breeders of Belgians continued to produce heavy calvary horses that could easily adapt to the climate and richly soiled grounds. In ideal conditions, it should be able to do that five days per week with two days off. A lack of protein will cause your horses skin to be very fragile and blister at the pressure points. The stunning blond-colored Belgian horse that is often seen in the United States can trace its roots back to Western Europe. Each pulling contest opens with a weigh-in session some hours before the contest is set to begin so teams can be classifiedlightweights are generally under 3000 pounds of combined weight between both horses and heavyweights are over, but some competitions further break down into smaller classes. (Understand why theyre named Shire now?) Each match has a weigh-in session hours before the contest starts. A horse that gets regular exercise will have a much easier time hauling a heavy load than one you take out of pasture once a month to work. Today the Dynamometer Association Inc. has a membership of 262 with a growing enthusiasm of a new and younger breed of men willing to carry on the pride of the draft horse and his competitive heritage of days-gone-by. Also known as a heavy horse, the draft horse is a large cold-blooded equine commonly found in Europe and North America. The symptoms are usually not as severe as EPSM, consisting of muscle pain, cramping, and discolored urine. We earn from qualifying purchases. If a foal is affected at birth, they usually die within a few weeks. The crowd here does a great job of staying quiet until the whistle is blownteams have been known to quit early when they hear the cheers of a crowd, thinking their draw is done. World Record Percheron Draft Horse Hitch by Laura Halliday of Mundare, Alberta, Canada "Heads up!" and a whistle from Head Teamster, Neil Dimmock, and 44 head of Percheron horses lean into their collars to pull in a field a 26 foot cultivator expressly manufactured by Ezee-On Manufacturing of Vegreville, Alberta. PO Box 2067, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2067 Phone: 319-362-3027 Fax: 319-362-3046 E-Mail: It still retained its flawless manners, pulling power, and willingness to work. At night, they should be given free forage with small amounts of grain.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_15',638,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Due to their kind temperament, Belgians are used for all manner of hard work, including draft work, logging, pulling carriages or sleighs, and plowing.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'amazinghorsefacts_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',639,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-amazinghorsefacts_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); A team of these horses can pull over 15,000 pounds across a distance of roughly 10 feet! Our readers support us. You can read their reporthere. Originally from England, they are big and strong, while also being athletic and beautiful. Some competitions break down the weight classes into smaller divisions. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. American breeders also selected for a flaxen mane and tail, a white blaze, and four white socks. John Neill Montgomery, Michigan (517) 296-4549 As soon as the horses hear the sound of the evener in contact with the boat they are off and pulling. One Of The Strongest Draft Horse Breeds All that muscle and bone on a Belgian Draft is not only for showing purposes. The newly founded organization worked in cooperation with Harry Moxley to develop more and better horse pulling exhibitions. 530 Long Rd Belgian Drafts are undoubtedly one of the heaviest equines on the planet. Meanwhile, the Brabant in Europe developed into a thick and heavy workhorse with coarse features and abundant feathering. 7 Interesting Facts About Rocky Mountain Horses, Amber Marshall and Her Husband, Shawn Turner (Wedding, Facts & FAQs). Lightweights are typically under 3000 pounds of combined weight, and heavyweights are over. (Average Horse Weight Chart), How Fast Can a Horse Run? The competition continues in this way until only one team of horses remains If no team completes a full pull on a particular weight, the winner is the team that has pulled the load the furthest distance. This creates an energy deficit and muscle fiber necrosis. . While the Shire horses might hold the world record for pulling, Belgian Drafts are not far behind! Glenbow Archives via Wikimedia, Massive farm equipment? The horse in question was from Liverpool and shod in that citys preferred horseshoe style at the time, which meant he was basically wearing. The draft horse. This muscular horse has a broad chest and can be characterized by pricked ears. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Part of the reason why Belgian Drafts grow so heavy is their above-average height. They are blessed with strong bone, tall stature, and abundant muscling still fit to carry a knight. A draft horse that exercises regularly will not have a hard time pulling a heavy load as a horse that exercises only once a month would. By TIM KING. The Famous Work & Draft Horse Breeds 1. However, many breeds, including Arabians, can make wonderful pleasure driving horses. Ralph directed the actual running of the dynamometer machines at fairs and horse shows throughout Michigan. While the Brabant and Belgian are both great workers, the latter breed also has a talent for driving. Am I being too generous, I dont think so. Here are your need-to-know facts: How the pull works:Essentially, a draft pull is a contest to see who has the strongest team of pulling horsesteams typically compete in rounds following a draw order and weight is added at the end of each round. Draft horses can pull three times their body weight, as they have been bred specifically for their pulling abilities. The most popular include: Although these horses may vary in size and other traits, there are some important characteristics they all share that make them useful to man. Pulling contests have a variety of weight classes and follow strict rules to avoid animal cruelty. I wondered what the horses pull, so I did some research to find out. of weight. Owners allegedly deprive their animals of water before theyre weighed for class competitions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Factors Determining How Much Weight a Draft Horse Can Pull. They can range anywhere between 16-18 hands and weigh between 1,800-2,400 pounds.