Draft Horse and Pony Pull Rules & Classes

Department 33 & 34: Draft Horse Sled Pull and Pony Pull

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Superintendent
Randy Conklin
Phone: 573-489-5168


Announcer
April Phillips

Amount offered in this section by the Fair ……………………..$2,720.00

  • Stall Fee – $20.00 Per Team ($18.40 + $1.60 Sales Tax) optional
  • Hook Fee – $20.00 Per Team (Paid back in premiums)
  • Must pre-enter by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
  • No late entries will be accepted.

Draft Horse Pulling Rules and Regulations

The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchan￾dise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.

  1. All entries must comply with animal health requirements for exhibitors in this premium guide.
  2. The top three (3) teams in each class will be blood tested. All horses are subject to veterinarian examination for use of stimulants and/or drugs (zero drug tolerance) during and after the contest. Their prize money will be held until tests results are received. If any team does not pass the blood test, it may result in any or all of the following:
    • Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  3. This is a 20 foot pull, with driver sitting on the sled.
  4. Each team has three (3) attempts to pull 20 feet; the longest distance counts.
  5. An Official must be present at the scales when weighing, then immediately return to the pulling grounds.
  6. No striking, whipping or jerking of the horses once inside the arena.
  7. No open face bridles.
  8. No horses may be tied together and no wire on tugs.
  9. One driver only, no line trailers.
  10. Should a horse step on or over the rope, it will be considered a pull.
  11. Any team deemed unruly by the judge or Superintendent shall be disqualified.
  12. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed before or during the pull.

Other rules will be discussed the day of the pull.

Weigh-in for Horses

To be announced. – Missouri State Fair, Youth Building Sales Arena

Time of Pulls:

12:00 noon – Lightweight and Heavyweight horses will pull together.

Premiums Offered Per Class

  • Lightweight horses: $1,360
  • Heavyweight horses: $1,360

The premiums will be divided according to placing for each team pulling. Ribbons will be awarded to first through tenth places.

Pony Pull Rules and Regulations

Superintendent
Randy Conklin
Phone: 573-489-5168

Total amount offered by Missouri State Fair……………………$1,200.00

  • Stall Fee – $10.00 Per Team ($9.20 + $0.80 Sales Tax) optional
  • Hook Fee – $20.00 Per Team (Paid back in premiums)
  • Must pre-enter by July 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
  • No late entries will be accepted.
  • Earliest Arrival: Noon on Friday, August 21
  • Must be out of barn: Sunday, August 23, by 6:00 p.m.

Percentage Pull

A negative coggins test is required. Teams will be weighed at 9 a.m.

Plaques shall be awarded for 1st place in each class.

Prize money shall be awarded 1st – 10th places.

The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it re￾serves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.

  1. The top three (3) teams in each class will be blood tested. All ponies are subject to veterinarian examination for use of stimulants and/or drugs (zero drug tolerance) during and after the contest. Their prize money will be held until test results are received. If any team does not pass the blood test, it may result in any or all of the following:
    • Withholding of payment for the animal, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  2. No tying to trailer, ponies must be in stalls.
  3. Percentage pull ponies will pull six (6) feet on each load.
  4. Teams will pull within a ten (10) foot lane or through the shiv.
  5. Missing two (2) consecutive trips will count as one pull.
  6. Teams get two (2) hooks to pull six (6) feet.
  7. Each team is allowed one (1) driver and one (1) hooker.
  8. Hooker must step back until pull is completed, after hook.
  9. Hooker must keep quiet or driver loses a pull.
  10. A bump and unhook will not be considered a pull.
  11. In case of break down, driver has privilege of counting pull or rejecting and instead will be moved back to starting place.
  12. No wires on tugs or any devices to encourage teams to pull.
  13. Slapping team or excessive shaking of lines count as one pull.
  14. All teams will remain in pulling area until released by the State Veterinarian.
  15. Pony over foul line will be counted as one (1) pull and sled will be pulled back.
  16. Judges’ decision is final.
  17. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the arena floor, this includes competitors and spectators. Competitors are subject to disqualification.
  18. Teams have 3 minutes to complete their pulls to qualify for the next round.

Patriotic Stall & Pen Decorating Contest

Help us celebrate America 250 and the Missouri State Fair theme, “Show-Me Stars & Stripes” by participating in our Livestock Stall and Pen Decorating Contest.

When: Throughout the duration of the Missouri State Fair. Each session of Dairy Cattle exhibitors is eligible to participate.

Participation: All livestock exhibitors are encouraged to participate. There are no entry fees or separate registrations required for the decorating contest. Simply decorate your assigned stall or pen area, and judges will make their rounds during the Fair.

Guidelines:

  1. Decorations must stay within the assigned stall/pen space.
  2. Decorations may not block aisles, walkways, fans, etc.
  3. Please do not damage Fair property while decorating.
  4. Decorations must not interfere with animal comfort, health, or safety.
  5. All displays must remain family-friendly and respectful.
  6. Any decorations not in compliance with these guidelines may be required to be removed at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Judging Criteria:

  1. Creativity & Originality
  2. Use of Patriotic Theme
  3. Effort & Overall Impact
  4. Animal Safety

Awards: Patriotic ribbons will be awarded to contest winners.

Let’s fill the barns with red, white, and blue spirt as we honor our country and showcase the pride, dedication, and creativity of our livestock exhibitors.

We look forward to seeing your patriotic displays!