Horse Progress Days

     We attended the most amazing event yesterday called Horse Progress Days.  It was an exhibition & demonstration of new farming machinery for the Amish.  Horse Progress Days was held on the Vernon Yoder farm near Arcola, Illinois.  I understand he has hosted it 2 or 3 different times now.  I was also told it only comes to this area every 5 or 6 years.  We had never heard of it, and if it hadn't been for my uncle, By, we would have missed this wonderful experience again this year.
     Participating in the event seemed almost like a time warp!  A very large percentage of those attending were Amish so it was truly amazing to drive up to the grounds and see hundreds of buggies parked along the road.  As we were walking on the grounds I heard one announcer say there were 13,000 in attendance yesterday.
     There were dozens of massive horse teams participating in the farming demonstrations and many miniatures pulling carts that people could ride in.  We were so amazed at the horse treadmill used to generate power for many different projects including pumping water and splitting wood.
     I took so many interesting photos I couldn't decide which to post so I've included several to help you see what an interesting day this was for us!

As we approached the property there was a huge line of parked buggies.

Field demonstrations

A twelve horse hitch was used to pull a 4 bottom plow

A machine for setting plants

Sheep herding demonstration

Such impressive horses!!

A list of possible uses for the horse treadmill--talk about horsepower!!

The log splitter was powered by a horse treadmill

There were horse-drawn barrel train rides & camel rides for the children

Ice cream was made in large quantities

These Amish children loved the ice cream!

Relaxing with Dad after a long day

A solar buggy

What a fun day!!

       If you would like to read more about Horse Progress Days, and where it will be located next year, here is a link to the website.