Release Date: Jun. 15, 2008

Horse Progress Days

Horse Progress Days returns to Mt. Hope in July

Mt. Hope, OH—In its 15^th year, Horse Progress Days takes place in Mt. Hope, Ohio, on July 4 and 5 this year. The annual event is the premier international occasion for presenting the newest horse drawn farm equipment, hitching techniques and a wide array of draft horse breeds, along with mules, ponies and oxen. Admission is $8 per day, and free parking is available. Kids 12 and under are free.

The Horse Progress Days’ objective is “to show that draft animal power is possible, practical and profitable,” and organizers plan to accomplish this with seminars on topics such as pasture management, collar and harness fitting, horse health, grazing, produce farming, logging and round pen training. Participants will also get to try the latest carriages, harness and tack, collars, feed, farrier and health items, all of which are products of the Mt. Hope area.

Also highlighting the two-day event will be an appearance by Lynn Miller of Small Farmers Journal. He will give a talk on the topic “Why Horse Farming?” On both Friday and Saturday, demonstrations will be held on spreaders, plows and tillage at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.; produce at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; haymaking at 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; and logging throughout both days. The logging activities this year will include an especially thorough review of techniques and equipment for sawing, log skidding, tree removal and timber framing. On Friday at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday at 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. is the breed presentation.

On Thursday, July 3, a Manufacturers and Farms Tour will take a group to several of the businesses involved with Horse Progress Days. This tour, which is 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., includes stops at six locations as well as lunch. A shopping tour of the Holmes County area will also be offered during the same time on Thursday, with stops at local favorites like Lehman’s Hardware and Heini’s Cheese.

Individuals interested in attending the Horse Progress Days in Mt. Hope, Ohio, should visit www.horseprogressdays.com for a detailed list of presentations and demonstrations. Information about lodging and the Mt. Hope area are available from the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce at 1-877-643-8824.

The Manufacturers and Farms Tour costs $72 per person and the Shopping Tour is $54.50 per person. Reservations for either can be made through Amish Heritage Tours at 330-893-3232.